"DIVINE RIGHT."

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19508, 3 January 1929, Page 9

"DIVINE RIGHT."

GERMANY'S FREEDOM. PRESIDENT'S CLAIM. PEOPLE BITTER AT DELAYS. (CSIXEB FBESS ASSOCIATION— B*i Et-SCTJUC TSX.EGS.VPH —COFVJUOHT.) (Received January 2nd, 8.55 p.m.) LONDON. January 1. The Berlin of "The Times" reporti erfrrf'The whole of tb« German most bitter because a great of their country still lacks the ft.epom which we claim by Divine and human right," said President von Hindenburg, speaking a New Year reception of the Diplomatic Corps. He added: "No country feels more than Germany the disappointments encountered in striving towards peaceful progress. We are still sadly uncertain regarding the fulfilment of our justifiable expectations. Despite our disappointment we hope that full self-deter-mination 'will be restored to Germany in 1929. , . . . "Since the high ideals of mankind can be developed only by fro® peoples, Germany will always be entitled to use her entire strength to overcome obstacles preventing sound national pro* gress. - . . "The co-operation of all nations is necessary to attain this goal, which is essential for the peace of Europe." Dr. Mueller, Chancellor and Minister for Occupied Territories, contested the exaggerated idea held abroad that Ger'many had regained her state of prosperity, It was contrary to all facts. The only solution of the gigantic problems of Reparations and the Rhineland would be to eliminate the war tension remaining between Germany and the Allies and to restore the sincere and friendly relations so essential to the maintenance of peace.—"The Times" Cables. GERMANS ABLE TO PAY. MR GILBERT'S REPORT. (Received January 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) BERLIN, January 1. In striking contrast to the pessimistic statements of President von Hindenburg and Dr. Mueller, the eagerlyawaited report on reparations by Mr Parker Gilbert, Agent-General for the Reparations Commission, declares that there is no question in the light of his practical experience, concerning the ability of Germany to provide the full amount of its standard contribution under the Dawes Plan. Mr Gilbert stresses the great productivity of revenues and urges that Germany should spend less on herself. The time is approaching when more vigorous measures must be taken to keep Germany's expenditure within her available revenues. Undoubtedly there are reserve forces of taxation still available, to which recourse could be had if necessary. He concludes by advocating the fixing of reparations obligations on a ground that would remove the element of uncertainty from the oconornic life o? all interested countries.—Australian Press Association.