THE GOOSESTEP

Evening Star, Issue 19551, 9 May 1927, Page 6

THE GOOSESTEP

GERMANY'S “STEEL HELMETS " GREAT UNARMED MILITIA. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. BERLIN, May 8. (Received May 9, at 12.10 p.m.) The “ steel helmets ” virtually took possession of Berlin. The extraordinary vigilance of the police prevented many riots. A great unarmed militia is the only fitting name for the formidable array of medalled war veterans and warlike recruits. Though they did not display the precision of movement and smartness of dress and bearing that characterised pre-war ceremonials, they were unmistakably military in equipment, organisation, and discipline. The organisation is the standard-bearer in demilitarised Germany of the old military tradition. The goosestep, war standards, and martial music are its stock in trade. Memories of battle, defiance of defeat, and belief .in the future glory of Germany are its life and soul. Tho 100,000 spectators were obviously sympathetic. After sharp words of command and well-executed manoeuvres the leader, from the steps of the National Gallery, addressed tho entire assembly.

“ GERMAN* OVER ALL.”

TREATIES NOT RECOGNISED.

BERLIN, May 8

(Received May 9, at 32.25 p.m.;

The goosestep -nd field grey returned to the capital during the week-end, when 80,1300 ex-service men, carrying hundreds of war standards on which a steel helmet was embossed, marched past the grand stands at the Stadium. It was the first big military ceremonial after the war. A former high array command galloped ahead as the columns swung along the field goosestepping and pausing, with lowered flags, in front of a special box in which the ox-Kaiser’s two sons—Pjrinoe August and Prince Oscar—and several war-time generals and admirals stood at the salute.

After the manoeuvres the Princes and generals reviewed the troops to the accompaniment of martial music. ‘ Germany Over All ’ was sung, the onlook ers joining in.

There was a similar parade at the Lustogarten, adjoining the ex-Kaiser’s palace. There were several disturbances, and 200 arrests wore made. The “ Steel Helmets’ ” leader’s speech from the National Gallery was carried all over the square by load speakers. He said that the " Stahlhchns ” did not recognise the Treaty of Versailles and later treaties, and demanded the restoration of conscription, the revocation of war guilt—a declaration which was extracted from Germany forcibly—and, above all, the restoration of A ho black-white-and-red flag under which Germany carried on a- most heroic struggle against the world. Tho latter statement was received with tremendous applause. Two minutes’ silence in memory of the dead followed, then a hymn was sung, and ihen ‘Germany Over All’ was repeated four times.