I must, however, emphatically point out that the commencement of unrest among our people at home will have rendered conclusion of peace here absolutely impossible.

As soon as the Russian representatives perceive that we ourselves are on the point of revolution, they will not make peace at all, since their entire speculation is based on this factor.' "_January 17, 1918._--Bad news from Vienna and environs: serious strike movement, due to the reduction of the flour rations and the tardy progress of the Brest negotiations.

The weakness of the Vienna Ministry seems to be past all understanding.
"I have telegraphed to Vienna that I hope in time to secure some supplies from the Ukraine, if only we can manage to keep matters quiet at home for the next few weeks, and I have begged the gentlemen in question to do their utmost not to wreck the peace here.

On the same day, in the evening, I telegraphed to Dr.von Seidler, the Prime Minister: "'I very greatly regret my inability to counteract the effect of all the errors made by those entrusted with the food resources.
"'Germany declares categorically that it is unable to help us, having insufficient for itself.
"'Had your Excellency or your department called attention to the state of things _in time_, it might still have been possible to procure supplies from Roumania.

As things are now, I can see no other way than that of brute force, by requisitioning Hungarian grain for the time being, and forwarding it to Austria, until the Roumanian, and it is to be hoped also Ukrainian, supplies can come to hand.' [Illustration: GENERAL HOFFMANN (on right) WITH MAJ.