THROUGH GERMAN EYES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 264, 24 October 1916, Page 6

THROUGH GERMAN EYES.

WARNING AGAINST DELUSIONS. Ernst Bassermann, the Reichstag Deputy, utters in the “Dusseldorf Anzeiger” a warning against delusions as to the strength of the three chief Powers of the Entente. In England, he points out, all are agreed upon prosecuting the war of destruction against Germany. AU hopes that the coalition Government would break down and that the revolution in Ireland would succeed have been falsified, while the unthinkable conscription has brought millions into the people’s army, which is now taking the place of the mercenary army. He continues: “France is a riddle to many. With a smaller population than Germany, bleeding from a thousand r.ounds, Prance still shows an astounding determination for war and’ victory. The people continue the struggle in desperation, and do not allow themselves to be drawn -aside oy the nation’s sacrifices to the God of M r ar. The French show a contempt of death, a willingness to sacrifice, which compel our admiration.

‘We cannot sufficiently warn the people against delusions. The fall if V erdun and the absolute failure it the (Somme offensive would not nean the end of the war or coUapse. in trench warfare even the greatest fortress loses its significance.” In the case of Russia, the writer points out that new millions are continually being thrown into the scales, and he adds: “The more calmly we look things in the face the more shall we free ourselves from delusions and not give way to the vain hope of smashing the alliance of enemies. Our confidence will not become less, and the wildest storms of the enemy will not succeed in beating us down. If bitter necessity demands it, wc shall bear another >viuter campaign.”