"MAXMILIEN HARDEN."

Taranaki Daily News, 6 October 1916, Page 3

"MAXMILIEN HARDEN."

in a recent article, Mr. Hilaire Belloc makes an interesting reference to one Witkowsky. He s ays:-"Witkowsky is a Polish Jew, one of three brothers, I believe, but at any rate the brother of _a verv important financial personage in Berlin who is at the head of one of the great banks, and who conceals his origin under the German name of Witting. Witkowsky similarly conceals not only his origin, but his ciose connection with the financier of Berlin under the alias of Maximilian Harden, having the reputation of a free lance in journalism. He is the best possible agent for the Prussian •Government at this moment, and it must be confessed that bis activities arc being used with skill. Under the simulacrum of an exile abroad on account or his too great 'independence,' he receives orders to write everything best calculated to prepare German opinion for the very difficult times it has ahead of it. The matter is probably printed abroad, but its circulation in Germany is winked at by the authorities, and, most important of all, is assiduously spread by Herman agencies throughout the neutral press, fiie object of the whole- move is to pre. pare not only the German, but neutral and belligerent opinion for the idea that Germany, though almost invincible, appreciates her present difficulties, and would be prepared for a generous and honorable peace, and must not be driven to desperation. At present this individual is, without doubt, the most useful agent of the enemy. Now and then he I intersperses his matter with violent stuff apparently opposed to German interests, ' felli that ia only part of the game."