NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15873, 12 April 1917, Page 8

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

•THE OPTIMISTIC HINDENBURG. This morning's cables contain the outline of an. interview granted by Marshal von Hindenburg, to the correspondent of a Spanish newspaper, in which he declares complacently that the German front in the "West- is so strong that it can withstand every attack. This interview was, of coursc, given before Sir Douglas Haig's latest blow on the Arras front. Since then Hindenburg lias probably been , much too busy to grant interviews to anyone. Its publication is therefore rather inopportune. An appreciable dent has already been made in the lino which nc boasts is so secure, and we are quite justified in viewing his further comments as merely typical Teuton bluff aimed at impressing bpain at a moment when it is extremely desirable from Germany's point of view that she should be impressed. The interview will doubtless be reproduced in tho newspapers of other neutral countries, and will assist in counteracting the impression caused by America's entry into the war. As a matter of fact there is nothing new in the opinions expressed by Hindenburg. He is merely repeating what was said in chorus by the German Pre3S at the timo of the breaking-off of diplomatic relations between America and Germany. At that time every German newspaper comment was stamped with tho samo defiant tone as that adopted by Hindenburg—a tone probably largely dictated from official sources. For instance, the "Kolnische Zeitung" said: "We are not terrified by America's threats, after Marshal von Hindenburg has assured us that the whole military situation permits us to take upon us all the consequences which iU-boat war may involve. On the contrary, we believe that to-day something like relief will pervade vast circles of our people, that they will greet the message from Washington with the cry, 'At last Wilson has shown his true colours.'" It is to bo noted that it is Hindenbnrg's assurances regarding the military association that caused this defiant tone to be adopted. Hindenburg to-day is the Sir Oracle of Germany—what he says goes-—and his optimism is probably based more upon j belief in his own infallibility than upon ! the invincibilty of bis armies. I

SPAIN AND THE GERMANS. , There is probably a very good reason why this interview has been granted at this juncture, specially to a Spanish newspaper. Spain has been made the subject of more German intrigues during the past few months than any other neutral country. An extraordinarycampaign has been carried out by the Germans against the ltomanones administration. Jn fact, were Spain under German occupation tho activities of Hun agents could hardly be more audacious and less respectful of the dignity and neutrality of a proud nation. A French exhibition of pictures for the benefit of Spanish volunteers in the French army which was opened at Madrid a few months ago by the French Ambassador, was closed by the police ab the instance of the German Embassy. The German Ambassador at Madrid, about the samo time, granted an "interview" to a Spanish newspaper, in which the Premier, Count Romanones, was accused of having "placed himself frankly on the side of the Allies, to whom ho is bound by material interests." -Theso are just a few examples of tho extent to which enemy intrigues hjfe been carried on in Spain. Tho recent attempt to derail a train in which tho King of Spain was travelling was attributed to tho work of German agents, and was made not long after the Romanones Administration had been reinstated in office with the full confidence of the King. So far these tactics have. not, apparently, availed Gerjnany to any extent, but very little is known hero of tho true situation in Spain. A. few days ago the cables announced a serious crisis in Madrid, necessitating the application of martial law. Since_ then there has been no further news. Nevertheless, we know that King Alfonso and the Premier, Count Romanones, arc disposed to be friendly to tho Allies, and it is no doubt the fact that the Romanones Administration is still in power and may bo regarded as opposed to German interests, that has caused Hindenbnrg to direct this latest outburst through the channels • of tho Spanish Press. <■ RUSSIAN SOCIALISTS AND THE AVAR. In view of the intluenco which, the Socialists are now able to bring- to bear in Russia upon the war situation, tho views of M. Piekjnof. the Russian Socialist leader, given to a Paris paper a few weeks prior to the revolution, are interesting. In tho course of that interview, M. Piekjnof said: —"I rcjoico that President "Wilson has adopted the ideas which havo always been those of the Socialists —that is, the right of all people to dispose of themselves. I very much doubt if tho Central Empires will accept that principle. Tho Scheidemann Socialists certainly will not, but why speak of Scbeidcmann's Socialists • There is hcnccforth nothing in common between Schcidcmahn and real Socialists. I am amazed to find some Socialists of tho Allied coun-. tries advocating a conference in which Scheidomann would certainly be one of tho representatives. However we may wish for peace; wo must dispel every illusion. Germany wants peace only becauso she wants to found peaco upon her domination. Germany will be brought to accept. President Wilson's peace only when she is at last convinced that she is not tho strongest. Sho must be beaten by arms. Tho only route to organjsed peace is the organisation of a military victory by tho nations which the Central Empires attacked. Tho contention of tho German propaganda among neutrals that the peoples of tho Entente countries yearn only for peace, must ho absolutely denied. As far as Russia is concerned, a microscopic minority of. Russians may bo pacifists, hut tho working classes —and the I can state solomnly—are unanimous in the wish to continue the war to victory."