GERMANY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18362, 21 April 1925, Page 9

GERMANY.

MONARCHISTS* PARADE.

OVATION FOR HINDENBURG

(m* CABLK—PRXSS ASSOCIATION—COPtMOHT.) (AUSTRALIAN AND X.S. CABLE ASBOCLATIOX.)

LONDON, April

The Hanover correspondent of the "Daily Exnress"' says that u Demonstration in favour of von Hindenburg s candidature was carried out in accordance willn the traditions of Prussian militarism.

Thousands of members of sonwmiiitnry Monarcliist organisations marched past, tho old Imperial banner heading each company. Every nian wns carrying a stick on the shoulder like a rifle.

Von Hindenburg, in the full uniform of a marshal, took tho salulo as tho procession goose-stepped pact, tho bands playing "Deutachland L : bcr Alles."

Later, crowds of men, women, and children swarmed round von Hindenburg's house and gfl-ve tho field-marshal ai\ ovation.

Von Hindenburg also received a deputation from National workers. "I agreo with your ideals," he said "TVhat I can do in this matter will bo done. I am.tho man to carry through my purpose with tho Lord's aid.''

STATEMENT OF POLICY.

A PEACEFUL OUTLOOK.

(RECTEtt'S TELEaniMS.)

(Received April 20th, S.lo p.m.;

BERLIN, April 20

Advices from Hanover state tlmt "Marshal nrou Hindenburg, in pursuant:* of his Presidential candidature, this evening received a number of foreign as well as German journalists, when ho read out in a clear voice a vigorous statement in whicli ho said there was need of peaceful labour and tho restoration of tliat spirit of unity which characterised Germany during the war. This unity would not bo concerned with party politics but would 1)6 tho outcome of a wholcsomo feeling of Nationalism. As President of tho Reich ho would only think of his duty to strive for tlie best interests of tho Fatherland on the basis of tho constitution and Germany's present position in tho world. Ho asked them not to expect from him the programme of a party man who had entered into detailed political igsues. Tho most important consideration was to restore German prestige in the world. Nothing was more capable of jeopardising tho peaceful object of the restoration of the Fatherland and its collaboration in the progress of tho world than blatant falsehoods about the threatening military reaction having inspired his candidature. He emphasised that he was only striving to ensure German sovereignty and freedom with a place in the sun of nations. "To attain this tho grave charge of our war guilt must bo dropped. You will surely believe all this prattle- about my unconstitutional plans and reactionary and Vther dangerous machination? is senseless."

The address was frequently interrupted by shouts of "Broivo 1" and enthusiastic cheering, especially his reference to war guilt. In an interview he said ' that it elected as .Presidenlj he would act constitutionally and • protect the laws of the Reich. He was specially interested in the question of a security pact guaranteeing'the frontiers of France and, Belgium. ' Ho asserted that Germany's Eastern frontier must lie altered by negotiations. Enigmatically he replied to a question whpther ho favoured a Republic or a Monarchy by saying that his personal wish was of no avail.

Replying to a questionnaire submitted by a correspondent, ho said if chosen aa President ho would respect the military as well as the other provisions of the Versailles Treaty. His outlook was a peaceful one. Ho was convinced that it would be foolish for Germany to indulge in warlike adventures which after the war he had always opposed because they oould only enrl disastrously. As a military expert he did not think Germany even was capable of defending herself against the small neighbouring States. Poland and Czecho-Slovakia possessed bigger standing , armies, and were protected by military alliances. '