GERMANY'S WAR LEVY

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 77, 1 April 1913, Page 5

GERMANY'S WAR LEVY

GUN AT ENGLAND'S HEAD. ENORMOUS SACRIFICES. COMPXAINTS IN GERMANT. (By Cable.—Press Asaoclatlon,-<;opyrigbt.) .('Received 10.50 a.m.) LONDON, March 31. The "Daily Mail" says that Germany's reply to Mr. Churchill's appeal to call a halt is seen in the war levy. The vast development of air craft is a pistol held! at Britain's head. The "Standard" says that Germany may not mean war, but the enormous financial sacrifices, even at the risk of straining the framework of the Federal system, show a determination and diplomacy towards irresistible power. The "Daily News" emphasises the irony of the situation in which the liberation of the Balkans leads to the subjection of millions in other parts of Europe to the serfdom of conscription.

The German newspapers, except the Socialists, accept tbe Army Bill as inevitable, but the Liberals and Radicals are sharply criticising the financial proposals.

The "Koelnische Zeitung" complains of the Government exacting contributions from the owners of amounts totalling so small a sum as £500.

The General Staff propose to construct two hundred aeroplanes, twenty Zeppelins, and ten revolving sheds, each with accommodation for two airships, distributed on the French and Russian frontiers, with reserve stations inland. The naval air fleet will be based in the North Sea, with six auxiliary stations.