OUT GOES VON KUHLMANN

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 252, 12 July 1918, Page 4

OUT GOES VON KUHLMANN

Thf, announcement that Dr. von Kuhlmann, the Gorman Foreign Secretary, had resinned and that his resignation had been accepted by tho Kaiser is said to have caused a sensation in the Reichstag. In view of recent happenings the announcement could hardly havo como as a surprise, and the sensation created was probably due to the strong feelings aroused by the significance of von Kuhljiann's fall, which proved unmistakably that the Kaiser has definitely thrown in his lot with the Pan-Germans, or at any, rate that he is unable to withstand the arrogant demands nf these extremists. Von Kijhlmann's latest declaration of war aims was too extravagant to merit the serious attention of tho Allies; but it was altogether too moderate to satisfy the blood-lust of tho Prussian junkers. It evoked a howl of fury from these madmen. His suggestion that final victory could not be won by the German sword was a fiat denial of the central article of their creed. By. making that admission he gave the lie to the Kaiser himself, and his ejection from office became inevitable. He was probably sufficiently clear-sighted to see that world-dominion was unattainable, and lie wanted to avoid the alternative of ruin. A very large section of tho German public are undoubtedly of the same opinion as von Kuiimann, and his dismissal indicates an increasing cleavage_ in the nation as far as war pojicy is concerned. His treatment of helpless Russia appears to have been sufficiently brutal to satisfy the junkers, 'but they felt that the terms lie imposed upon Rumania—terms which virtually enslaved that nation—were too lenient. In April last the agitation for his removal from office began. The rumour that he would havo to go was then denied, but the Boerscmcilu-ng persisted in maintaining that a. change was coming, and mentioned Dir. von Hintze as his successor. AYhen it became evident to the Pan-Germans that von Kuhuiann was getting out of sympathy with some of their ideas ancl methods they declared that he w;as suffering from a serious political malady which took tifo form of "lack of knowledge of economic conditions, half-heartcd-ness towards tho solution of Western conditions, possession of too much optimism as to the results of negotiations, and finally a personal feeling that he is not the man to tackle the peace negotiations in the West."

It seems likely that Dr. von Hintze is to be the new Foreign Secretary. If this report proves to bo true tho extremists will havo secured a man who is qualified to give special attention to tho "psychological offensive." His principal weapons will probably be bluff and tvickcry and fraud.' He is described as the most notorious intriguer in the German diplomatic service. If this description docs him justice he must be a most cunning schemer, and the Allies will have to watch him very closely. It is well that they should know beforehand the sort of individual they are dealing with when considering any proposals that may em&pato from Berlin. A German authority lays it down that in international affairs "honesty, at any rate on vital questions, ought on no account to be carried to the pitch of inexpedient Quixotism." There does not appear to be much likelihood that von Hintze will bo inexpediently Quixotic in any diplomatic relationships into which ho may enter with the Allies or with neutrals. His previous career indicates that he will not alloAv himself to be hampered by inconvenient scruples. The influence of the PanGermans seems to have reached its apex, and it may he taken for granted that under the leadership of von Hintze tliev will now sink to still deeper depths of diplomatic villainy to gain their ends. It is perhaps just as well for tho' Allies that these desperadoes should obtain absolute control of Germany's war policy, for their advent to power makes it plain to all tho world that there can be no thought of peace until the enemy has been completely and overwhelmingly defeated. The Germans are evidently going to make the utmost use of every weapon they possess to secure a decision in their favour as quickly as possible. The knowledge that they arc on the edge of the precipice and that they "must inevitably go ovor unless they can soon smash the Allied armies is forcing them to continually increase the strain on their forces and resources, which is already perilously near tho breaking point The overthrow of von Iyuhuiann by the Pan-Germans is a suggestive indication that all risks will be taken in a frantic dash for victory, and the alternative to victory is utter and irretrievable disaster The madder the pace the greater the smash.