HERTLING'S SPEECH

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 59, 3 December 1917, Page 6

HERTLING'S SPEECH

NEW WAR CREDIT ASKED FOR

"WHERE IS THE LUST OF CONQUEST?"

' London, November. 30. ; . The German official leport of the ' Imperial Chancellor's speech in the Reichstag states that, after eulogising the patience and endurance of the home population of Germany, Count Hertling said tha,t all classes-had responded to the seven appeals made for tne financing of- tne war. A total of 73,000,000,000 . of. marks (roughly, £3,650 ; 000,0G0) had been voluntarily subscribed, and he would now ask the Reichstag for a new war credit of ISjOOOjOCO.OOO marks (£7-50,000,000). The Chancellor referred to the demand for reform and a new adjustment of political affairs, and stated that it would bo necessary to recognise what ■ was right' in this demand, and to carry it out with a firm hand, and not slavishly imitate the institutions of

other countries. The fundamental /principles of the Imperial constitution ' must remain unchanged; but within its , framework, the Imperial Government would always lend a willing ear to wishes and suggestions of tne Reichstag. social policy, which preceded that of other countries, would oe further developed. Bills would be immediately introduced to establish chambers of workmen, and to abolish the limitations on the formation of unions.

After referring to the faot that the initiative of the recent far-reaching reforms in Prussia had 1 emanated from the Crown, he reverted to the war situation, and fervently -urged- the Germans to stand together, united and firm, until victory was achieved.

The Chancellor also made reference to the Leninite overtures, and said he hoped tho lands formerly under the Tsar's sceptre, Poland. Lithuania, and Courland, would be allowed to choose their own governments, and obtain a political form corresponding to their conditions and culture.

The Pope's pcace Appeal. Referring next to the acceptance by the Central Powers of the basis of the Papal No.te, Count Hertling mentioned Baron Sonnino's repudiation of general disarmament and M. Clemenccau's cynical shutting out of Austria and Germany from the peaceful community of nations of tho future when light succeeds armed force.. Mr. Lloyd George had declared that the aim of the war was the destruction of German • commerce, and had added that the war must be continued until that aim was reached. "WherOj" he asked, "is the lust of conquest falsely attributed to Germany to be sought? It is now revealed in the clearest light through tho Russian Government's publication of the secret treaties. Our war aim from the first day was the defence of the Fatherland, "the inviolability of its territory, and the freedom and independence of its economic life. We, on that (! account, could joyfully greet the Pope's peace appeal. ; The spirit animating the answer given to the Papal Note is still alive.

Destruction of Irreplaceable Works of Civilisation. "Nevertheless, this much the_ enemy must admit. This answer signifies no licence for the 'lengthening of the war. The enemy alone bears the responsibility for the continuance >of the terrible slaughter, the destruction of irreplaceable works of civilisation, and the mad self-mangling of Europe. This applies especially to Baron Sonnino. If the Italians who drove into war the population of a beautiful land bound to us by a thousand memories had taken the Pope's outstretched hand;of peace, the frightful defeat ■of their Army would not have occurred. May Italy's friends accept this as. a warning and ' listen to the voice of reason anil humanity." The Chancellor concluded: "Germany's watchword is to wall, endure, hold out." Ho asked the Reichstag to contribute" its part townrds i final viotory, and loyally support 'him.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.

DUTCH NEWSPAPERS IMPRESSED. (Rec. December 2,1115 p.m.) Amsterdam, December 1.

Count Hertling's speech has favourably impressed the Dutoh newspapers. ir'lt is interpreted to mean that the j v Central Powers are prepared to make ■'peace without annexations, giving grounds for hoping that the war may J be ended before the Vinter is past — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.'