OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

Taihape Daily Times, 8 November 1917, Page 3

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

ON THE GREAT BETRAYAL. German hyprocrisy occasionally rises to a height that seems to convince even Germans themselves of the purity, nobleness, and magnanimity of thenpurpose. A noteworthy instance is contained in a second article in the Frankfurter Z(Htung: “The freeing of Belgium” was the problem for which Kitchener, collected his hordes. It was the keynote for conscription. Whoever fights for this can lay down his arms Germany will liberate Belgium in the peace exchanges because Germany does not wish to commit any act of oppression. This incontrovertible fact must be made clear to our enemies—because only thus will it bo possible to make the British people understand the true conditions of the purposes of the war and of the military endeavours. The copying stone of this remarkable edifice is supplied by the Rheinish-Wcstfalische Zeitung: “Our international opponents' are naturally interested in the formation of a kingdom of Poland and a republic of Palestine, but the needs of more than 4,000.000 Germanic Flemish leave them utterly unconcerned. They are happy to surrender in Flanders, for the satisfaction of the dearly ’beloved England is of primary importance. What the intelligent Flemish think of this matter is easy to understand. The promised independence of Flanders would be a betrayal by Germany of her blood relations. Let us beware. If the German Empire surrenders Flanders we lose for over the respect of all those peoples who expect liberty from us. ” ‘