IMPRESSIVE REVIEW

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 293, 6 September 1932, Page 9

IMPRESSIVE REVIEW

Steel Helmets’ Parade “SPIRIT OF POTSDAM” Monarchist Demonstration CABINETS ULTIMATE AIM By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright (Rec. September 5, 7.15 p.m.) Berlin, September 4. What many Germans hailed as a glorious resurrection of the spirit cf Potsdam was witnessed in the parade of 107,000 Steel Helmets, which concluded their convention. Troops, clad in the field grey uniforms of the old army, marched to the Ternplehof Aerodrome, the former Imperial parade ground. At least twenty members of the former Royal family and the majority of members of Cabinet, but not President Hindenburg, were among the spectators. The streets were lined with multitudes of cheering spectators, and buildings were deeorated with the old Imperial colours. The ex-Crown Prince took the salute, and the Chancellor, Dr. von Papen, was also present. The review was the most Impressive since the days of the Kaiser. Correspondents describe it as the most momentous Monarchist demonstration since the war. There is no longer any doubt that the von Papen-von Schleicher Cabinet aims at the ultimate restoration of the Howenzollern Monarchy which, however, is not likely to occur until President Hindenburg and the exKaiser are dead. The parade took seven hours to pass the saluting base. The troops were unarmed. The majority were clad in brilliant old-time uniforms, and the scene was reminiscent of 1914. ' There were on parade 11,000 more than the established strength of the British Army, and the force was almost double the size of the official German Republican army. There was a dramatic moment when Herr Seldt, the party’s leader, called upon the Steel Helmets to swear a long oath to preserve obedience to their leaders, loyalty of arms unto death in the fight for Germany s freedom and greatness, and comradeship against the enemies of the Fatherland, whereupon a united e swear” rang from the grey-green mass with uplifted arms. Three Steel Helmets were crushed to death during the parade, and four spectators were killed as the result of accidents. ALARM IN PARIS “Military Soul Revealed” (Rec. September 5, 8.10 p.m.) Paris, September 5. The parade of Steel Helmets in Berlin has alarmed the Press. ... ' ”Le ; Temps”'says: ■ "It would;have brave consequences to the civilised world if it shut its eyes to the spectacle in which the real military soul of Germany is revealed, with brutal frankness.” ARMS EQUALITY CLAIM Profound Misgiving Caused (Rec. September 5,. 8.10 p.m.) London, September 5. Reviewing Germany’s claims to equality of armaments in conjunction w,ui. the Steel Helmet display in Berlin, “The Times” says it is not surprisin', that the claim to equality of armaments has aroused profound misgiving Government to consider the question as early as(possible, “The Times” remarks : It is impossible in the long run.to keep a firstclass Power in a second-class position. Germany must be given no excuse W take unilateral action, destroying at one stroke all prospects of general disarma ment.” ' REPRIEVED NAZIS Removal to Another Prison (Rec. September 6, 0.20 a.m.) Berlin, September 5. The five Nazis who were sentenced to death for murder and afterward reprieved, have been removed from Benthen to the Gross Strelitz Prison. They were escorted by seven motor lorries carrying sixty armed police. It is suggested that they are likely to be retried. In any case, they will be granted an amnetty after a few years. DEBT TO AMERICA Postponement Sought (Rec- September 5, 7.10 p.m.) London, September 5. The German Ambassador at Washington has been Instructed to negotiate for a thirty months’ postponement of the current'payment of £3,500,000 due to America under the mixed claims commission on the cost of the army of occupation. __________