KUHLMANN'S SPEECH.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 163, 8 July 1918, Page 3

KUHLMANN'S SPEECH.

, GERMANY'S AIMS STATED. j INDEPENDENT EXISTENCE. ; LONDON, June 25. • Tleuter's correspondent at Amsterdam states that* Baron von Kuhluiann, Foreign Secretary, in his speech in the Reichstag, wherein he reviewed the military situation created a sensation by expressing a doubt that the war would end even in 1919.

[vuhltnaiiu described'' the military position in the rosiest colours, saying that Jlindenburg and Ludendorlf were God given gennisffli, and actually declaring that the Austrian offensive had be n a noteworthy success. Hence the 'sensation he created was the greater. He "dmitted that it wa=. a "common idea that the length of the war wa® sometiling new." but he quoted 'from a spe o!h by von Moltke in the Reichstag in 1890, Unit the duration of a great European war would be incalculable. He proceeded to allege that it was Germany who had shown willingness for peace., nu ntioning the famous Reichstag peace resolution, and Germany's reply to the Papal Note. : Ivuhlrriann denied Mr jP ""nr's recent declaration that Germany ever desired, .or . even thought it could win, , world di.i.-' i atu Napoleon had i slinuii tVit Mini an idea was Utopian. (Hear, hear! -from the C.ntre and Left.) > Who was responsibe for the wai'? The- deeper the causes were penetratI ed tlie clear, r it was that R.ussia d.e----i .sired war with France playing the role of instigator. *

, Germany's aims were a free, strong and independent "existence within the boundari s drawn 'for her by history, and _ also overseas possessions corresponding with her oreatness and wealth and proved colonial capacities, also freedom for , her trade on the sea. (Bravo!) . . The achievement pf these aims' was absolutely a vital necessity.