INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 272, 9 April 1913, Page 5

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

GERMAN CHANCELLOR'S FRIENDLY SPEECH. "A GREAT STEP FORWARD." By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Berlin, April 7. Herr von Bethmanu-Hollweg, in introducing the Defence Bill in the Reichstag, eulogised Sir Edward Grey's devotion and ability in conducting the Ambassadors' Conference. Sir Edward Grey, by eliminating misunderstandings, deserved Europe's gratitude. Germany's policy in the Balkans was identical with that of Britain's. Referring to ilr. Churchill's offer to suspend shipbuilding for a year, although experts emphasised the obstacles to such a course, the fact that such a proposal was possible was a gieat step forward. Germany would wait until England made concrete proposals.

He referred in grave tones to the hopes of revanche entertained by many in France, and to Panslavism in Russia. He added that Germany would attack no one, but if threatened would fight to the last, man. WHAT THE FI.TTRE HOLDS. ' POSSIBILITY oFsLAV-GERMAN WAR. AN OPTIMISTIC NOTE. Received !), 12.30 a.m. Berlin, April 8. Ilerr von Hollweg declared that as lur as human calculations could fortell, no European war would occur, wherein German would not be involved. It required the whole sense of the European Cabinets, most nearly interested, to prevent the tension over the Balkans, which might lead to a violent outbreak. Europe would know how it had to | thank Sir Edward Grey for his extraoidinary devotion and conciliatory spirit' in adjusting differences at the Ambassadors' Conference. The decisions at the j London Conference must be carried out with all vigor so as to ensure a peaceful settlement. It was of the utmost importance that the vitally active States which had arisen in the Balkans should be as effective in peace as in war; but, beyond doubt, should the Slavs and Germans be opposed in a European conflagration, Germany would be at a disadvantage by the Slav States replacing Turkey in the Balkans. It was thus imperative to take precautions with the Pan-Slav currents which made Bismarck uneasy and enormously promoted the Balkan victories. Germany could not afford to bury her head in the sand. The relations with Russia and France were good, but wide sections in France, not merely Chauvanists, were relying on the quality of the army and the Russian Alliance, and the hope, with British help, to entertain ideas revanchise. He hoped the time was past when every comparison of Anglo-German naval strength led to an agitation, poisoning the relations of both countries. The long-lack-ing confidence was beginning to return.

GERMANY'S PREPARATIONS. HUGE SUMS TO BE SPENT. CRITICS SAY SCHEME IS BAD. FRENCH PRESS NON-COMMITTAL. (Sydney Sun's Special Service). London, March 31. It is expected that the German Parliament will suspend its sittings for a week in order to give the members an opportunity of absorbing the mass of material contained in the new Ar;nv Bill. Strange discrepancies have been noticed in th" summaries of the measure appearing in the Government publications, but it is estimated that the expenditure on armaments will reach £(15,000.000 by 1015. {lf tki\ sum.£>o,ooo, oo(l will be raised by the new waf 'faiT/aTid the remainder by permanent taxes. In Germany the scheme i.s genemllv considered to' be the vaguest, financially, 'hver presented, and' it is impossible to forecast what will "be the outcome of the debate.

Nearly £4.000,000 is | allocate.! to a err lal affairs, naval and .military, bringing llie total for this branch 1 to between £0.000.000 and £7.000,000. Two squadrons of four dirigibles, to lie replaced every four years, are proposed. together with 50 more monoplanes, biplanes and hydroplanes. The French press so far is non-co'U-mittal reotanlinor the. provisions of the Bill.

The Journal des Debats points out that hurry and rapidity are characteristics of the main portions of the measure. and that the reinforcement of the cavalry and artillery will be completed in October.

WAR IN THE AIR. BRITAIN CRITICISED. GERMANY WELL AHEAD. London, March .11. In a leading article oil the new German Army Bill the Times says: — "Its object plainly is to enable Germany to strike heavily and promptly at her own moment, and the measure imposes upon Germany's neighbors th" need for constant vigilance in view of the great change in the balance of power. "There is a new development in Germany's armaments which will shortly bring the portions of the Bill relating to military and naval aviation especially before the attention of Britain, which lias far done little regarding aviation"

In fi special article on aviation, tlie Time's remarks: "Tiritain lias »iyen Germany p. bi<r start. Our inferiority in tire matter of 'icavier-than-air machines must continue for Years to come."

deferring to paekable dirigibles, the article says that tliev place an army in a position of inferiority in tlie realm of aerial warfare. No Tower should be content, with small dirigibles, and th<* Government is censured for laying TJriHin onen to chastisement by a foreign Power.

"W .iraen as a rwe are tne mist eon Ristent tea drinkers, and the multiplication of tea-rooms and tea kiosks throughout the Dominion affords striking evidence of the increasing popularity of tea. The women of New Zealand may be classed as tea connoisseurs, a* they show a decided preference for Orescent. Tea,, which is rich ind strong and of deliciouß flavour. Sold by all grocers at 2? Is lOd and Is 8d