LORD ROBERT CECIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1918, Page 4

LORD ROBERT CECIL.

DISSECTS DR SOLE’S ADDRESS j [per press ASSOCIATION. —COPT RIGHT.] London, August 2-1 Lord Robert Cecil in a statement on Dr Solf’s speech says that l)r Self’s remarkable utterances represent a considerable change, mainly directed to suit America's opinions It reflects on the trend of German thought. Dr Soli lias begun Ho realise that the pan-German doctrine is disastrous, and refers to such principles as being held only by a small group, without political or Government influence. He claims that the Government strongly combated them. Nevertheless, Lprd Cecil adds the Pan-German or Junkers, have great influence in Germany. Only a few weeks ago they exhibited t heir power by securing von lvuhlmann’s dismissal, because of his view Unit there was no likelihood of Germany being able to secure a military decision in her favour. Dr

Solf’s statements regarding Belgium, undoubtedly represents a si.ep towaids decency. He says that. Belgium ■would not be any nation’s vassal, but \on Hertling recently said the same thing with serious qualifications, notably, that there would be close commercial connection with Germany, hence‘Solf’s statement is extremely unsatisfactory, especially as Dr Self reminded his hearers of von Hertling s promises. If Dr Soil, wishes to indi-

cate Germany’s willingness to liberate and restore Belgium let him say so plainly. His assertion that Germany, by the Brest-Litovsk treaty, inaugurated a number of small states, which Germany, at their request, will protect; temporarily, shows the change in the people of Germany. It was hitherto regarded, that the Brest-Lilovsk Treaty was the first limits of victory. Dr Soil; vaguely claims that the colonies shall revert, to Germany. He particularly reprehends the suggestion that Germany lias not given a good account ol hei stewardship of the coloured races. “ I believe that Germany’s treatment ol the coloured peoples has been brutal and repugnant.’’ The Government intends soon to publish a record of Germany's colonial misrule. When the Hoii -Mr Balfour said tlint the “ Colonies will not'bn destroyed be reflected the consensus of opinion of the world, which is acquainted with Germany’s colonial record. Dr

Solf was wrong in saying that he claimed the right to annex them. 1 lie I-lon Mr Balfour had said that their fate would be decided at the Peace Conference. What Me Balfour ruled out was the suggestion that they should be returned to Germany. Dr Solf’s references to carriage evils and miseries, is only too true, but it. represents an entire change iu German feeling even since last April, when Hindenburg's extravagant war aims were in the ascendant. Dr Solf claims to be the upholder of a League ol Nations, still Dr Solf said it would be criminal not to achieve an international system, which is better than the present system, but we see no hope thereof unless the Entente is victorious, and Germany acknowledges her whole system is a profound error.