STRAINED RELATIONS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 76, 13 March 1913, Page 5

STRAINED RELATIONS.

FRANCE AND GERMANY

THREATS THAT MAY’ END IN WAR. [ PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.] Berlin, March 12. The “Tageblatt” disagrees with the “Cologne Gazette’s” allegations that France is the danger zone. Parisian newspapers are not altogether blameless for the deterioration of Franco-German relations. The “Neueste Nachrichten” declares that the “Cologne Gazette’s” article is only an echo of chauvinistic France.

The “Cologne Gazette” says that Mr. Asquith’s speech has made an agreeable impression. Germany is gratified by the declaration that Great Britain is not obliged to send troops to the Continent.

FRANCE NO LONGER ISOLATED

Paris, March 12.

The “Temps.” commenting on the “Cologne Gazette’s” article, invites the German press to reconcile the conflicting declarations that the new armaments are due to the new situation in the Balkans and to the desire of France for revenge. Il adds that it is the old story of the wclf and the lamb, with the difference that now the lamb has no fear of being devoured. Arrogant Germany is no longer confronted by an isloated France and an isolated Russia. They are now perfectly allied and the measures taken by France are no threat. If there be a threat it is made by Germany.

The newspapers comment favour ably on Mr. Asquith’s speech.

THE GERMAN WAR TAX

Berlin, March 12.

It is estimated that the Emperor’s private fortune is £7,400,000 on which he will pay the war tax. , The Duke of Saxe-Altenburg’s taxable fortune is £3,000,000.

The Emperor’s is the fifth on the list of great estates laid under contribution.

ENGLAND S ATTITUDE TO

-FRANCE

.eceived 13, 10.20 a.m.) Paris, March 12

newspapers are disappointed at Mr. Asquith’s declaration. “Le Rappel ” says : “We are glad the question is settled;, anything is preferable to uncertainty.’ “ L’Eclair ” says.: “ Is it not too bad that France should be told she must count solely on herself.” Other papers consider that England will treat each separate case on its merits, which distinguishes an entente from an alliance.

X ALARMISTS REBUKED. (Received 13, 12.0 p.m.) Berlin, March 13. The “Norddeutsche” strongly rebukes the “Cologne Gazette” and other alhrmist newspapers.