TRIAL OF THE EX-KAISER.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 July 1919, Page 5

TRIAL OF THE EX-KAISER.

'" ' ' ' ■IQ—- 11 ' CRITICISM OF PROPOSAL. LONDON, July 6. Sir Valentine Chirdl, a well-known writer on foreign affairs, in a letter to the Times says; “It is no secret that President Wilson strongly objected to Wilhelm’s trial, and M. Clemcnceau was halfhearted, but both yielded to Mr. Lloyd George’s pressing solicitations. “The responsibility for this dismaying blunder, therefore, rests wholly on Britain. “After a distracting and spectacular trial, a sentence of deportation is likely, compelling Britain ceaselessly to watch the former Kaiser on some lonely island, with wireless, submarines, and aeroplanes, affording chances I of evasions undreamt of in Napoleons case. “The chief odium caused by the trial, in Germany, will be concentrated against us. If the prosecution fails Britain will suffer immeasurable ridicule, and ,anyway, we will be rescuing Wilhelm from the contempt of oblivion which is the worst penalty that could be inflicted on a man of such monumental vanity.” The Bishop of Exter, in a sermon, regretted that “a contemptible character, living in universal detestation and miserable shame” should become the object of international vengeance, and possibly a martyr. Other letters argue that unless Wilhelm can be executed, as he deserves it would be a mistaken attempt to bestow wordly punishment.