The Daily News. TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1919. GERMAN INSOLENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1919. GERMAN INSOLENCE.

"We know actually so little as to what is transpiring in Germany "—except with regard to the Spartacusist movement, and even as to that there are strong doubts as to whether it is a blind to conceal more important, intrigues—that the action taken in sending troops to Poland, in spite of British remonstrance, comes as an eyeopener to the fact that the old methods still prevail, and though the voice is that of Jacob, the hand is that of Esau. The Pan-German militarists are still a force to reckon with, and there is no more reason why the German Government of to-day should be trusted than was the case when the Kaiser held sway. It would be foolish to expect otherwise, for even the draft of the new constitution shows that autocracy permeates the official mind, and that to all appearances the Teutons are merely bending to the wave and awaiting their opportunity to revert to their old pernicious arrogance, insolence and self-will. We have looked in vain for any sign of penitence, and now that the smart of defeat is wearing off we are faced with the unpleasant knowledge that the evil ways of Kaiserdom are once more asserting themselves. There is a decidedly ugly appearance about Germany's action in sending troops against the Poles, and the insolent manner in which surprise is expressed that she should refrain from provocation with regard to Polish inhabitants in East and West Prussia, Silesia and Posen should impress the Allies with the need for prompt and drastic action. The question naturally arises as to whether that provocative action is not cunningly devised to goad the Allies into taking military measures, so as to lend color to a likely plea that Germany was forced into protecting her territory. There may be no connection between the result of the elections and this defiant attitude of the German authorities, but the coincidence is certainly worthy of note. It must not be forgotten that there has been no demobilisation in Germany of any consequence, and that she lias stiil a powerful army available for mischief. That there is some sinister purpose in this new development is only too probable. The Poles, of course, are branded as the provokers of hostilities, just as were Germany's enemies in the late war, and with about the same amount of perverted truth. It may be that the agitation that has been going on of late for pressing forward the demobilisation and repatriation of the Allied and American troops has emboldened the Germans to show the cloven hoof. Certainly peace cannot, be signed until ail trace ol German, militarism is obliterated. The London Morning Post states plainly and forcibly that if the Allies permit Germany to attack Poland they will not only acquiesce in a crime, but will thereby acknowledge that Ger|many is undefeated. Such a fatal error must be avoided at all costs. The action taken by the Peace j Conference in declaring that Bri|aifl. And America must maintain l f " " b

large armies in France for many months would seem to imply that though every effort is being made to arrive at a lasting peace the situation is such that no risks can be taken. It is as well this should be fully realised. We know the kind of people with whom we have to deal, and that knowledge should result in the adoption of firm methods. Germany's insolence to Britain in practically stating that the British authorities did not know what they were talking about when daring to dictate what Germany should not do is particularly characteristic, and the 1 threat conveyed to Denmark of what will happen if she attempts a military occupation of Schleswig, emphasises the growing insubordination of the defeated Germans, for to the threat is added a warning as to the preparations Germany is making to deal with Poland. The recrudescence of the policy of bluff and bluster on the part of Germany is particularly ill timed, for the peace terms have not yet been settled, and it inay have a powerful effect in hardening the hearts of the Allies. Admitting that Germany has been experiencing a trying time, that is all the more reason why she should refrain from adding to her troubles. The weakness displayed by the Allies in overlooking Germany's deliberately procrastinating method of fulfilling the armistice conditions is bearing fruit in studied insolence and defiance. That this can be dealt with effectively may be assumed, but there is all the probability that the wily Ueutons are still hoping to bring about dissension between the Allies, hoping against hope, just as they gambled in the war. Much as the Allies would deprecate having to resort t.) extreme measures, they should let Germany see that they are prepared for all contingencies, and will brook no hindrances being placed in the way of peace. The Poles have every right to their independence and the rehabilitation o? their nation. They have suffered for many years, and can justly claim the good services of the Allies to ensure their reinstatement. Having once got free from their oppressors they desire to build up their nation, and Germany must either bow to the inevitable or be crushed. No doubt it is galling to Germany to lose the whip hand over the peoples she has oppressed, but now is the time to rectify o'd wrongs, and Germany should be made to understand that she is a defeated nation, and must obey the will of her conquerors.