GERMAN DEFENCE MATTERS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 88, 21 April 1913, Page 5

GERMAN DEFENCE MATTERS.

A SERIOUS CHARGE. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.' [United Press Associati in. i Berlin, April 19. In the Reichstag, Dr. Liebknecht Socialist, stated that Krupps and tin manufacturers of Mauser rifle's resorted to illicit methods, inducing lead ing organs of the French press, t( create an anti-German sentiment, with the object of facilitating increased German armaments. He also accused Krupps of secretly corrupting officer; and officials of the Prussian War Office to secure early information of contracts and an insight into the offers of competing firms. Dr. Liebknechi stated that several persons in prominent positions should be arrested. The Minister for War replied that Dr. Liebknecht’s statements were a grave exaggeration. He was still uncertain whether the directors were involved. He begged the House to reserve judgment.

KRUPP’S DENIAL

(Received 8.30 a.m.) Krupps deny that their employees received the firm’s money to bribe non-commissioned officers. GERMAN NAVAL RATIO, Berlin, April 20. Professor Delbrnck contends that a naval holiday is impossible. Germany might have been prepared to reduce her building to a three-to-two ratio annually if England had initiated a reduction of five-to-three, but England should not bo permitted to include the Dominions’ ships and make a fictitious offer.