ARMAMENTS AND MEN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 73, 10 March 1913, Page 5

ARMAMENTS AND MEN

GERMAN WAR TAX. ITS EFFECT ON TRADE. [PRESS ASSOCIATION COPYRIGHT.] London. March 8. The “ Times’ ’’ Berlin correspondent says that the subscriptions in the case of the £2,500,000 Imperial and £5,000,000 Prussian consols were fairly satisfactory; also for the renewal of £10,000,000 Prussian Treasury bonds, but the disfavour shown towards the additional £10,000,000 bonds reflects the condition of the money market, and the bad impression caused by the coming enormous levy upon property.

TO PREVENT EVASION

(Received 10, 8.4 a.m.) Berlin, March 9.

The “Cologne Volks Zeitung" states that in order to prevent sending capital abroad to evade the war tax, the banks will be compelled to divulge their customers’ accounts.

FRENCH MILITARY SERVICE

THREE YEARS WITH COLOURS, TWO YEARS IN RESERVE.

Paris, March 8.

Besides remaining three years with the colours the reserves’ term has been increased to two years.

THE NOW OR NEVER P&LICY

EFFICIENCY OF FRENCH ARMY. London, March 8. The newspaper “Spectator" declares that the reawakening of France has aroused universal satisfaction in Great Britain, tempered with anxiety lest their military ardour and the magnificent condition of the army may tempt France to engage in an early European struggle. France must recognise that Germany is at a disadvantage. Austria is caught in her Balkan entanglements and it is doubtful if Itajy would run the appalling risk involved in her adhesion to the Triplice. Nevertheless the “Spectator" is of opinion that the more prudent and influential Frenchmen realise Jhat_ the now-or-never policy will forfeit tlic support of Russia and Great Britain. Without Great Britain the Austro-German fleet might sever French communications with Africa. The “Spectator" believes that peace will be preserved in 1913. GERMANY’S OBJECTIVE.

FRANCE UNDISMAYED. (Received 10, 9.5 a.m). Paris, March 9. M. Bardoux. in an article in L’Opimon says: Beaten by John B ill <-n -ca. Ceimany seeks revenge on land, expecting France in a moment of weariness to hold out a hand of reconciliation. L’Opinion recalls the Kaiser's alleged remarks to M. Etienne on an unspecified occasion when he was supposed to have said he “hoped to see the two countries marching hand in hand, and he would bring this about, even if he had to resort to rough measures.”

TERRITORIALS OR CONSCRIPTS.

PLEA FOR VOLUNTARYISM

London, March 8.

Mr. P. Illingworth, Liberal member for Shipley Division, Yorks, speaking at Manchester, denounced the attacks on the Territorials. He declared they were excellently fitted for their allotted task. If voluntaryism were desreyed we should be accused of aggression and the Continental Powers would pile up armaments. We should then be summoned to reply, and so the Devil’s dance would continue. To attempt to stampede the country into conscription would be an infamous crime against mankind, which the Liberals would energetically resist.

SOUTH AFRICAN NAVAT POLICY. MINISTER ( ONSULT3 THE ADMIRALTY Capetowin, March 8. Mr. Smuts sails about June to consult the Imperial authorities on the naval defence question. CANADIAN NAVAL DEBATE. LONG SITTING ENDS. Ottawa, March 8. In the naval debate, Mr. George Graham declared that the present Borden policy was the result of a double-barrelled conspiracy to injure the Asquith Government. He quoted Mr. Norton Griffiths, M.P., to make it plain that Mr. Asquith was not doing his duty by the British Navy. The sitting of the House ended at midnight after lasting 123 hours. A feature of the closing of the debate was Mr. William German’s attack on the federation of the Empire. He declared that the Canadians did not favour it. AIRSHIP SCARE. London, March 8. The War Office is experimenting with rockets suitable to warn foreign aircraft against making observations. OVERSEA CRUISERS. London, March 8. The battle cruiser Australia has returned to Devonport’after successful three-quarter speed trials for thirty hours. Capetown, March 8. The New Zealand has arrived at D •h-m. Christchurch. M t < h It is hoped that arianacim r t will Be made for the berthing of the New Zealand at Lyttelton, as there is ample accommodation for a ship of her size.