Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 29, 10 January 1916, Page 5

Great Britain

CONFIDENCE SHAKEN OR SHATTERED?

CHANGED GERMAN ATTITUDE

TO BRITISH PRISONERS

UMVhU PkEmJ .".'-.M.'CI Ml U.N. I (Received 8.10 a.m.)

Amsterdam, January 9. ■V party of British civilians *vho

were released from Ruhlben and have reached Holland state that there is

a marked change for the better in the conduct of the German soldiers towards the British. .Many of the

camp guards are seeking to fraternise and it is believed the Germans' confidence in victory has been shaken if not shattered.

BRITISH EXPORT TRADE. RISE OF THIRTY PER CENT. EXPERT'S SNTERESTINC STATEMENT. (Received 9 a.m.) London January 9.

Mr Chiozza .Money, 1 in the Daily Mail- says the exports of British produce for the year amounted to 385: million, compared to the boom year of 1913 when it was 525 millions. He adds : In 1914 the exports, despite the lgss of 54 millions of normal exports to the enemy wa s gveater than in 1909. In the fifth month of the war the exports were twenty-six mil* iion s and in the seventeenth month thirty-four millions. Prices have certainly risen, but the increased export values balance, the increased import values. It is- remarkable to note that the personnel of the army ami navy rose from one and a-lialf millions in December, 1914. to three millions in December, 1915; yet, despite the withdrawal of one and a-half million able-bodies from trade and industry.

the exports have risen thirty per cent. The explanation probably will be found in the fact that in peace time many of the ablc-bqdiod are engaged in unproductive work.

BRITAIN'S COMPULSION LAW.

GERMAN PRESS COMMENT. Amsterdam, January 9. The Koelnische Yoiks/.eitung, in an angry article on tlie British compulsion law, says: The German fleet must act as Britain will become quite uncontroiiabie if allowed to send millions of men 'to the Continent. .Germany, is really fighting for the whole of Europe when striving to break England's rule. (Received 10.0 a.m. ) Amsterdam, January 9.

The Lokal Anzieger says that Mr Asquith won a- great Parliamentary voctory. The majority on the Military Bill surpassed all expectations. The paper expressed the opinion that uncurbed Britain will achieve victory because the renunciation oi' the right of deciding tor oneself was one ai the greatest sacrifices an Englishman could make. As far as the Germans were concerned, the Bill had only a political and not a military significance, and would not influence the issue of the war.

THE POLITICAL CRISIS

COMPARATIVE QUIET WEEK-END VIEWS OF LABOR LEADERS. (Received 10.0 a.m.) London, January 9. After a week's strenuous excitement, the country enjoys a week-end of comparative quiet. Interest continues to be centred in the trade union's attitude, but.is is noteworthy that several leaders insist that the Congress decision must not be regained as a fair reflection oi' the trade union movement.

Mr J. Hodge, M.P. for Lancashire, considers it a mistake to call it a composite conference, it should have been a purely trade congress. BGe believes it may result in the expulsion of the Independent Labour Party to deal with Fabians and othei political elements. Anyhow, Mr Hodge considers that the crisis is passed, and there will not be a general election. Mr Haveloek Wilson, secretary of the Railwayman* s Unions, holds the same views, but Mr Thomas, M.P., maintains an 'uncompromising attitude. He had a mixed reception at Cardiff, where the meeting was divided on lines similar to Thursday's conference. Mr Thomas said he would support compulsion if wealth subscribed equally with Labour.