HERR KURLMANNS SPEECH.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1918, Page 2

HERR KURLMANNS SPEECH.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.] CAUSES MUCH ANGER. AMSTERDAM Juno 26. In tho course of his speech on the war situation in the Reichstag, Herr Von Kuhlmann, the Foreign Mftister, was continually interrupted by tho Conservatives, they accusing Herr von Kuhlmann of having tried to alter the shorthand report of a previous speech. Herr von Kuhlmann proceeded to explain what he meant when lie made an appeal to their, enemies good will.. In the first place, lie said that the mere making of statements regarding peace in the belligerents’i various Parliaments could not bring a solution any nearer. Therefore he believed that a confidential diplomatic rc-approach-ment was essential. This route to peace, however, would be hopelessly blocked if tho enemy persisted in stigmatising such an attempt on the part of the Central Powers to reach a reapproachcment as one originating in “bad faith”, and insiduous tactics.” He asked: “Could not the German victories ring into their enemies the conviction that it was wiser to. choose the road of negotiation ?”

Herr von Kuhlmann added : “Jlili„tary success is the first condition, and the basis of diplomatic negotiations.” Von Kuhlmann, in a further speech in reply to critics, retraced certain passages of his speech, but repeated that it was impossible to end the war by military means. Von Kuhlmann, in the Reichstag said that Germany could not bind herself to any pledges regarding Belgium.

Gdijman telegrams show that von Kuhlmanu’s speech has roused much anger, especially as he is accused of retouching the stenographer’s report, so that the version of the speech issued to newspapers is different from that delivered. Herr Hertling, in the Reichstag, subsequently endeavoured to remove some of the unfortunate impressions caused by Herr Kuhlmanns speech. Ho said that he did not wish to further discuss the guilt for the outbreak of the war. That, ho said, should le left to history. Certain passages in Kuhlmnnn’s speech must not be interpretea to mean that Germany’s defensive intentions would paralyse her actions, or that her confidence in victory had been shaken.

A BERLIN RUMOUR. BERNE. June 26. It is rumoured in Berlin that Herr Kuhlman is about to resign. PRESS COMMENT. (Received This Day at 9.30. a\m.) AMSTERDAM, Juno 27. The ” Telegraf ’’ says Herr Kuhlmann’s speech won’t bring peace a step nearer. Germany is willing to negotiate, provided it is first agreed that she shall lose nothing, and gain all. The restitution of the conquered colonies is not enough. Germany wants new colonics, apparently Belgian Congo. The “ Vorwaerts,” commenting on tho speech, says both belligerent groups exr press their readiness to listen to peace proposals, but neither will begin to make them. This painful ridiculous situation diplomacy must find a way out of.

FRENCH CRITICISM, (Received This Day at 9.50. a.in.) PARIS, June 27. French newspapers lengthily criticise the speech, and reassert* it is necessary to continue the war.until Prussian militarism is crushed. j, ...