VISIT OF GERMAN WARSHIPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11955, 2 May 1902, Page 5

VISIT OF GERMAN WARSHIPS

TO CRUISE OFF THE IRISH COAST. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. London", April 30. Eight of. the finest German battleships and three cruisers, commanded by Prince Henry of Prussia, will reach Lough Swilly, in Ireland, tomorrow. The Duke of Connaught, after representing King Edward at the coronation of King Alfonso of Spain in Madrid, will hasten to Ireland to receive Prince Henry.

the visit of Prince Henry and his squadron to British waters may be interpreted ad a desire on the part of Germany to promote more friendly relations with England, of which there have been of late some rather significant indications. The change of tone which is noticeable in the German press and in high Ministerial circles is a little bewildering no doubt, but is nevertheless gratifying to our amour propre. Count Borchcm, whose career in the Diplomatic Service and as Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs under Bismarck entitles his advice to the respectful consideration of all Germans, publishes in the Munchoner Allgeruein.o Zeitung an article emphasising the appeal recently made by Baron von Itiehthofen for a more sober discussion of British policy. Count Berchem asserts, what is perfectly true, that German manufacturers, merchants and men of finance for the greater part desire in their own interests a speedy and for Great Britain a favourable termination of the South African war. He proceeds as follows:—"All who have not been stricken with blindness must perceive the grave dangers which, quite apart from France, are involved in the incalculable internal iliiiiculties by which our Eastern neighbour is beset, and this, notwithstanding that out relations with the Governments of those countries may be of the best. Yet our countrymen indulge in the sport of provoking Great Britain on the assumption that that country will not retort. Now it is precisely with* regard to Groat Britain ■that the maxim of to-day applies that one should spare the sensibilities of momentarily weak Governments and refrain from forcing them to an admission of their weakness." The article denounces " Boeritis" and Anglophobia as diametrically opposed to the Bismarckian principles of policy, and it remarks that in provoking Great Britain the Anglophones are depriving the German Government of the liberty to choose its allies, and that at a moment when such liberty of choice is eminently desirable in the interests of Germany.