Germany's Respect for Treaties.

Manawatu Herald, 23 April 1896, Page 2

Germany's Respect for Treaties.

A month or two ago the German Emperor sent a man-of-war to Dela~ goa Bay ready, should the opportu nity occur, to send a detachment of maries across the Portuguese territority to the Tranevaal to the aid of his dear friend President Kruger. It was reported that this action was really stopped by the Portuguese authorities, who, being an ally of Great Britain, would not in any way countenance such a move. Time tells another tale as the cablegrams gay that a detachment of German soldiers has arrived at Delagoa Bay and their passports to Pretoria, signed by President Kruger were concealed in their uniform and luggage. The man-of-war previously arrived at Delagoa Bay and we are yet left in the dark as to whether the detachment has landed, and if so, has been allowed to pass across Portuguese territory. All matters are thickening for an outbreak at any moment in South Africa, and it appears as though the Germans intended to be in it. Major Arthur Griffiiths, writing in the Fortnightly on the " Second Line of Defence,"

tells the following serious anecdote : — That respect for the neutrality of Holland and Belgium is not to be counted among our bulwarks of defence may be taken as certain. I have it on the most undoubted authority that the present Kaiser would not hesitate to violate it on a great emergency* During one of his late visits to this country be discussed the chances of the next conflict with France, and met the objection that the French frontier was practically impregnable, by a cool statement that he should, of course, advance through Belgium. •' You might expect to meet an English corps then, in support of the Bslgian army " said the distinguished English officer with whom the conversation took place. "It would not matter," replied the Emperor ; " you might send two army corps ; you would, nevertheless, be too lite." Such reckless defiance of treaties when England was friendly, would, of course, be still more certainly shown if she was hostile. What the seizure of Belgium would mean as regards the invasion of this country will best be realised by remembering that Ostend, the most suitable base, is a line and capacious port only four hours' steam from Dover.