WITH THE ENEMY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16143, 22 February 1918, Page 8

WITH THE ENEMY.

POST-WAR TRADE. GERMAN ECONOMIC OFFENSIVE. (By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cublo Association.) AMSTERDAM, Februai-y 20. The "Hamburger Nachrichten" urges preparations for an economic offensive after the war. German manufacturers, during tho past threo years, have accumulated large reserves of finished products —chemicals, dyes, machinery, toys, and scientific appliances—which should bo launched on tho -world's markets the moment poaco is concluded. This would help to pay for the raw materials. Tho "Nachrichten" says:— "Threats of an economic boycott are only British bluff. The world, needing German-made goods, will _ turn a deaf ear to attempts to continue a trade war. Brazil has a million tons of coffee, which only Germany can take, and the Argentine will readily sell to Germany her vast surplus of wool. The Central and South American markets are bo enormous that German buyers are in' no danger of being shut out. Even American cotton, and rubber, and Australian spelter will be at Germany's disposal.' l Dr. Solf retains the title of Colonial Secretary. He travels frequently to Hamburg, and heartens the people with orations about the magnificent prospects opening after the war in Africa, tho South Seas, and Australasian waters. He says:— "We shall possess- the old colonies, rounded off to suit the now conditions. Despite London's bragging, the fate of the colonies depends on Hindenburg and Ludendorff, not on English politicians." GERMANY IN THE FAR EAST. PAHIS, February 20. . M. Marcel Hutin expresses tho opinion that the danger of Germany's expansion in the Far East is accentuated by Russia's break up.; "When the Republic of Siberia is constituted," he says, "we shall need an energetic representative there, for the enemy will permeate Siberia and establish himself at Vladivostock. Tho Entente Powers, including America, had confidence to the last in the Bolsheviks, but Mr Wilson's eyes have now been opened. Japan can now play an important part in the war, but the question is, -will the Entente allow her to accomplish it?"