THE GERMAN NAVY LEAGUE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9688, 12 January 1910, Page 4

THE GERMAN NAVY LEAGUE.

The new year manifento of the German Navy League is a bellicose document that carries with it unmistakable significance, because the Navy League in Germany is a semi-official organisation, that commands an enormous membership, and is openly supported by the highest personages in the country. That Utopian idea of the limitation of armaments which was put forward in all good faith by the late Sir Henry Campbell-Banner-man is finally blown into thin air by this semi-official appeal to the Germans not to be diverted from naval expansion by any consideration whatever. "The soothing siren song," proceeds the manifesto, "is intended to allure tha German steersmen from their course," but the reference is hardly an appropriate one. Mr LloydGeorge and Mr Winston Churchill, with their suggestions for a limitation of armaments, can hardly be regarded as waiting to devour the Kaiser and his sturdy henchman, Admiral von Tirpitz, the Ministerial head of the German Navy. If that wae their object there would be no need to wait, it is regrettable, of course, that the new year should open with such an uncompromising declaration as is conveyed by this manifesto, but it will at any rate clear the air. The previous pretence -that a powerful German Navy was needed to protect German commerce or to fight the Japanese —as was alleged by this manifesto, but it will at any rate clear the air. The previa ous pretence that a powerful German Navy was heeded to prote't German commerce or to fight the Japanese as was alleged by the Kaiser—is now frankly dropped, and that England is the objective of the German Navy is , equally frankly indicated. No doubt the manifesto will have its effect in Germany, but it is likely also to furnish ah opportune weapon in Great Britain during the elections.