THE GERMAN NAVAL QUESTION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3155, 5 April 1909, Page 4

THE GERMAN NAVAL QUESTION.

In an article in the "Liberate Korrespondenz," the official organ of the Radical Union, Herr Schrader, the well-known Radical leader in the Reichstag, discussing the reform of Imperial finance, seeks to show that no such reform can succeed under Germany's present economic policy. He alludes in this connection to the question [of naval armaments, and says that the question is whether a start cannot already be made with the abolition of the greatest impediment to a sound financial system, viz., the extraordinary oppression of armaments. Germs ny he savs. has 10 find 500,000,003 I narks more money in taxes, primarily for armaments, and everybody who knows anything about the development of the army and navy sees clearly that unless serious restrictions are made in that respect, the whole reform of the finances only means the postponement of the, crisis for a few years. Herr Schrader argues that owing to Russia's disinclination to embark on an active foreign policy, and the' understanding with France in Morocco, Germany is in a position to reduce her military expenditure, and adds: "Regarding the fleet, one thing is clear in so far as its strength is governed by the consideration of England—we know that England wishes to maintain such a naval superiority towards us that we can do nothing. It is also clear that this means financial burdens which press heavily on the present British Government. Once Germany recognises that all additions to her naval power are unavailing, both sides will perceive the of expending less on warships'." Herr Schrader declares that the possibility of an understanding has been brought nearer by the Royal visit to Berlin, and continues: "If after a little while fresh vexations, encouraged by hostile elements on both sides, are not to arise, a tangible, real result must be achieved, and this, if possible, with respect to the navy."