THE GERMAN NAVY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 349, 1 April 1911, Page 5

THE GERMAN NAVY.

"PEACE DEPENDS UPON STRENGTH." CHANCELLOR'S SIGNIFICANT SPEECH. Gy Tclccrapii. - J'resi Association.- Conyripciit Received March 31, 10.10 p.m. Berlin, Yesterday. Herr Von Bethmann Hollweg (German Chancellor), sneaking in the Reichstag, and referring to the Social Democratic proposal that he should initiate a general limitation of armaments, argued that Germany had studied the question, but was unable to find a suitable formula. He was not aware that others were more successful. The time when European wars could be made by cabinets was past. Wars could only arise where the antagonists had a rooted popular sentiment, which was very susceptible to an influence like the responsible agitations of the press. If international effort created a counterpoise to such influences, he rejoiced, out a definite programme of disarmament was another question, and just as indefinite, hazy proposals were calculated to disturb, instead of promoting peace, any scheme for settling the strength of nations according to a sort of precedence list, and arithmetically according to areas of influence, was bound to fail. Herr Hollweg continued: "Somebody may say a claim to rank of precedence has already been fulfilled. England is convinced and has repeatedly declared that notwithstanding all her wishes for limitation of armaments, and international arbitration, her fleet must, under all circumstances, be a match for, or superior to any possible combination in the world. She is entitled to her aim, but it is quite a different matter to make such a claim the basis of an agreement, which by peaceful assent is to be accepted by other Powers. What if counter claims are raised, and Powers dissatisfied with the respective roles assigned them? Similarly with an attempt to fix the strength of armies. It is impracticable." The greatest obstacle was the question of control. He instanced Napoleon's attempt to limit Prussia's army to 42,000. Referring to Sir Edward Grey's suggestion who said the exchange of information regarding ship building would prevent surprise, he remarked that Germany had been able to fall in with the idea all the sooner, inasmuch as her ship building programme was always laid open, and she had therefore declared her readiness to come to an agreement with England on the matter, hoping thereby the expected calming of public opinion in England would follow. An unrestricted treaty, such as President. Taft and Earl Grey suggested, would simply put the sea! on a state of things already existing defacto. "Let the situation change, let antagonists touching vital interests arise, then I would like to see an arbitration treaty that would not burn like tinder," he concluded, emphasising that Germany strategically held an expused position, and had need tor constant readiness, remembering peaceableness depends upon strength. FRENCH PRESS COMMENT. Received April 1, 9 a.m. Paris, Yesterday. The "Echo de Paris" says Herr Bethmann Hollweg's remarkable speech has surely dispelled like a mist the dreams of certain Englishmen and Frenchmen. "Le Figaro" says Germany regards universal peace as a dream, and does not wish to renounce war, but intends to play the world role of a powerful nation.