Germany

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 5, 8 April 1916, Page 5

Germany

BE7HMANN-HOLLWECS GPEECH. United Pbfss Assooi.st.os. London. April (i. Heir von Jletbmann-Hollwcg, in his most comprehensive speech since the war began, said he could not understand any intelligent man sharing the enemies' hope of starving Germany? The 1915 harvest was poor, possesses excellent corn bread reset-: ves, and the prospects for next 'mm vest are better than those for yeai* past. England continues, despite American protest, to tighten the starvation blockade, contrary to international law. "Wo respect neutrals' legitimate interests," he continued, "but our right to make reprisals against our enemies must be acknowledged. The speeches of our enemies show no trace of readiness for peace. .Mr Asquith says that the complete and final destruction of Prussia's military power must be the first condition of peace negotiations, and our only reply to such peace conditions is the sword, if our enemies want to continue killing men, and to continue the devastation of Europe, then the blame is theirs.

"Our aim is to unite and protect Germany so strongly that nobody will again be tempted to attempt to destroy us, and also to compel the world to recognise our right to free development. t "We'entered the war in self-defence!!; Things have since changed,-but 'we cannot turn back now, and we Will shatter the menace involved by the British threat of a lasting commercial war. The more violent the enemy's speeches become the harder' will be' our blows, and the situation is now i ' in accordance with our expectations. "The Dardanelles campaign was a failure and our enemies declare that Ave are nearing the end of our military strength. The battle of Verdun will teach them better, and we looK to the future with full and growing confidence." 'Continuing, he said ; "When our enemies speak of the destruction of sia's military power they mean that it is their wish to destroy a united and free Germany, in order that we. may again become helpless, as we were centuries ago. We have exposed 'our neighbour's lust for power. Everywhere we see the enemy's brutal rage of annihilation and prcsuinptious de: termination to cripple -seventy million people. These threats will bo ;>haltered, but the enemy must- ■not forgetthat the more violent their words the harder will be our blows."'

Referring to Belgium, he said: "We will create effective .guarantees that Belgium shall not be a vassal of France and Britain. We cannot hand over the long-oppressed Flemish nation to be made "Trench, but we will assure its sound development, on a basis of its mother tongue and characteristics. In the same manner Poland, which the Cossacks burnt and pillaged, will not be allowed to exist, neither shall wo give up the regions, in the West, where German blood has been shed, without a complete guarantee as to our future."

Much of von Bethmann-Hollweg's speech was devoted to pleading that Germany was a peace-loving nation, and was not responsible for and did not desire the "war. He a'dded' : "It is a silly calumny to say that after the war we intend to rush America, conquer Canada, and acquire Brazil." He concluded amid general applause, Herr Liebknocht (the prominent Socialist) being shouted down. It is noteworthy that all references to the Flemish are deleted from the report of Herr von Bethmann-Holl-weg's speech circulated in Belgium, and it is incidentally remarked that . the. speaker stated that he had expressed readiness for peace negotiations on September 9, but the enemy declined.