MILITARY REVIVAL IN GERMANY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 51, 24 November 1919, Page 7

MILITARY REVIVAL IN GERMANY

REVOLUTION FEARED SIGNIFICANCE OF HINDENBURG DEMONSTRATIONS EXCITING THE POPULAR IMAGINATION By Telegraph-Preea Aesociatiou-Copyright London, November 19. Tho Berlin correspondent of "Tho Times" stresses tho importanco of tho Hindenburg demonstrations. They have seized the popular imagination, particularly among the young soldiers and students and the whole of the rising generation. The movement is skilfully fanned bv the professorial and scholastic castes, the Army officers, and the Military Monarchist Parly, and there is plenty of combustible material ready to-take fire at any time. The only question is whether the wire-pullers consider the present moment appropriate for action. In any case, events may precipitate a crisis — "The Times."

LARGE FORCE UNDER ARMS OFFICERS BOAST OF ANOTHER "DAY" London, November 20. Commenting on tho Berlin correspondent's message, "The Times" says the information is attested by many independent observers. There are now 700,000 Gorman soldiers under arras. It_ is authoritatively known that. Hcrr Nosko is busily organising special military guards in all the cities, ostensibly _ for tho protection of the anti-Spartacists, but totalling 300,000. They form a formidable, and thoroughly disciplined and equipped force, all recruited from tho non-commissioned ranks of tho Imperial Army. Tho present German spirit is shown by tho German Government's attempts to prevent Allied officers from wearing uniform while in Berlin, combined with hostile demonstrations, and insults from German officers, who aro openly boasting that tho day of reckoning is coming. Information recently received in London, "Tho Times" says, suggests that the German Military Party is deliberately preparing for armed action against the Allies. Nosko is consciously acting as a warming-pan for a monarchical and militaristic restoration. Tho majority of the officers belong to tho Ilohenzolleru association, which aims at tho restoration of tho monarchy. The organisation is flourishing unchecked by Noske, who rccentlv took repressive measures against a military republican association, which includes a small minority of officers.

Referring to Mr. Lloyd George's recent reference in tho House- of Commons to tho German menace in the Baltic, "Tho Times" says it understands that von der Goltz's forces in the Baltic States nro merely the nucleus of a much larger force secretly organised in tho interior, awaiting the commands of tho military party.—"The Times." "WE WOULD GO OVER THE TOP" CRYPTIC "REMARK BY NOSKE. New York, November 20Tho Berlin correspondent of the "New York Times" interviewed ITcrr Noske, German Ministor of War. Hcrr Noske said: "Nothing would strengthen our Government more than if the Entente could show how wo might obtain a mitigation of tho peace conditions. Tho new Germany intends to win a position, not with cannon but with honest work. Tho Americans, after helping to destroy iw, are now watching tho proceedings with their hands in their pockets. I bolievo we would sro over the top, if. this is allowed to continue, with the present forces at ray command until April 1. A preliminary condition would lie that Franco should not invade Germany on mime pretext. What is-needed is an exchange of views between foreiyn statesmen anil ourselves. Our political lifo has undergone a complete change. Germany is governed by decent, honest, democrats, and we aro bent on a straightforward, conciliatory course."—Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assn. UNRESTRICTED SUBMARINE WARFARE EVIDENCE BEFORE WAR RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE. Berlin. November IC. Hindenburg and Ludendorlf gave evidence before the War Responsibility Comroitteb Tlw chairman, at 1 lie outset, interrupted Hindenburg and demanded "facts, not opinions." ITimlenburg said as soon as he and LudendorfT iwsumrd the chief oomiiii;.nd he regarded unrestricted submarine warfare as imperative in order to relievo the Western front, but he refrained for a time because von Bothmann-Tlollweg feared that Holland and Denmark would attack Germany. Von Bethranim-Hollwojj here interpowd, and stated that he wanted the unrestricted submarine nl tucks further postponed, but Admiral Holbendorff said it was impossible. He therefore regarded tho question ns Fettled. Otherwise he would have informed Hindenburg that ho still favoured postponement nn political grounds.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. "'WE DO NOT WANT"ANY PEACE!" ALLEGED DECLARATION BY . LTJDENDORFF. (Rec. November 23, 5.5 p.m.) Berlin, November )!). At the war responsibility inquiry Count Bernstorfl' declared Hint LudendorlT said in May, 1017: "We do not want any peace at nil!" When this was mentioned before the committee Ludendorff passionately cried: "I never snid this. It is an insult to my sense of responsibility." Hindenburg also excitedly declared that Ludendorff always worked for peace, but .in honourable peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Aesn.

SERIOUS DISORDERS PUT DOWN

FEAR OF FRESH REVOLUTION. (Rec. November 23, !>.5 p.m.) Berlin, November 10. By a strong display of force Ilerr Niwke prevented perious disorders when Hindenburg and LudemlorlT attended tho War Responsibility Committee. A. young lieutenant, who is acting as chairman of Hie German National ITnion. in a violent speech to the demonstrators denounced the Jewish Government "which is ruled liv the traitor Oscar Colin." Ullimntely Hie lieutenant was arrested but his followers continued to shout, "Down with Hie Jewish Government! Jx>nfT ' lve r ' lo Kiiis»r!" to which the Sparlacist.s replied: "Down with (hi , murderers of the musses! Long live the world's revolnlion." The ringleaders were arrested. Considerable apprehension is , fell over (he situation. Nearly three-quarters of a million men are under nrms in Germany, ostensibly for internal policing duties. Tho disintegration of Bcrmondt's troops is leading to their return in considerable forco to Berlin, where they are likely to join with tho Monarchist supporNw. adding to tho fear of a fresh revolution. When Hiiulenburg and lAidendortY wont befo.ro the committee the streets round (he Reichstag swarmed with Security Police, which to the uninitiated eye are. not distinguishable from soldiers. Ma-chine-guns were in readiness everywhere. The guard'! within the buildings wero trebled. Though it may seem astounding how Hindenburp; retains his wonderful hold over the people's imagination, he is regarded a= the saviour of tho Fatherland; whilr- Ludendorff is Hi" Min-i-tec who shoulders the responsibility, though lh>- In Her has n finer bruin mid looks oninpnralively commonplace beside Hindenlmrij Both men tendered ll'oir evidence with the formal reservation that they were not compelled In. Their ptatenients were hackneyed. Neither the German people, the Kaiser, nor the Government, mid lenst of nil the General Staff, wanted tho war, they paid, culminating with tho oluirgo that tho treack-

ery of the Independent Socialists alone robbed Germany of victory. Tho chairman of the committee- reproved both for I heir violent language against the Independent. Ludcndorff passionately dolioinifcl Count JJwnstorfi', who, ho eaid, had besmirched his honour in regard to American mediation. The chairman defended Bernstorff. which infuriated Ludendorff still more—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

BALTIC TROOPS MATCHING TO BERLIN.

Berlin, November 20. A. rumour is being circulated that, the Baltic troops have begun to march to Nwlin to support the reactionaries.— Keuter.