GERMAN CHANCELLOR ON THE WAR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 17 March 1915, Page 7

GERMAN CHANCELLOR ON THE WAR.

SUPPLIES AND FUNDS PLENTIFUL

The Imperial Chancellor, Dr.. yon Bethmann-Hollweg, received a correspondent of the Associated Press (an American service), at Berlin, on January 26, and spoke openly on the Belgian relief situation, the question of contraband, the way in which industrial Germany has adapted herself to war conditions, the sentiment of Germany towards America and on the responsibility for the war., which he attributes to Great Britain. "I did not want this war," was one of his phrases; given with striking emphasis. "We Germans do not cherish hate." was another, occurring in a discussion of the attitude of the Germans toward the French soldiers and people. The Chancellor declared that Germany had enough copper, oil, rubber and similar supplies in spite of the I British interference with ocean commerce, and that his country had funds enough to continue the Avar to the end. SHOWS STRAIN ON THE WAR. Four months and a-half of war have not passed lightly over the Chancellor. In his uniform of lieutenant-general, with grizzled, close-cropped beard, and wearing ir.on crosses, first and second class, he seemed much older than; the scholarly, frock-coated statesman! of Reichstag debates. Face and eyes! showed signs of the strain of the last few months. He spoke with confidence of ultimate' German victory, although a weary, ex-1 pressive shrug of the shoulders was his; answer to a query as to the possible duration of the war. The Chancellor1 had only that afternoon received word; that his son, a young cavalry lieuten-; ant, had been badly wounded and cap- : tured in Poland by the Russians; but of this he made no mention when stating the situation on the eastern front appeared to be very favorable.

CALLS CENSORSHIP UNJUST

The interview took place in the reception room of the historic Chancellor mansion in the Wilhelmstras.se. The conversation turned first to news conditions and the difficulties of presenting the German side of the situation to American readers. The Chancellor regretted that, owing, to the British and French censorship and control of the cables, the German point of view had not been adequately presented m the United States. He felt this to be a, great injustice. ■

"Since the English have the possibility of getting the truth about them-' selves and their allies out," he asked, "why should they object to letting a little truth out about Germany?" "We shall," remarked the. Chancellor, "shortly issue full reports of the earlier battles, as, for example, the Battle of Tannenberg, that on the Masurian Lakes and the battle on the Marne." To a remark on how little was known abroad concerning Tannenberg, he rejoined quickly: "One of the greatest battles in history! One of the greatest? The greatest, I should say."