GERMAN COMMENT ON THE RUPTURE WITH AMERICA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16459, 8 February 1917, Page 7

GERMAN COMMENT ON THE RUPTURE WITH AMERICA.

• MIXTURE OF DEFIANCE AND CONCILIATION. i ONE VOICE FOR EUROPE AND ONE FOR UNITED STATES. Australian and N.Z. Cable Aesociation. LONDON. Feb. 6. Although officially Germany alludes with regret to the rupture of relations with the United States, and suggests that there has been a misunderstanding, this tone is apparently addressed to neutrals nearer home. Germany seems to have another semi-official voice for America —a voice full of defiance, as is revealed by the despatches of Berlin correspondents. The German press has found its voice, and the striking similarity in the comments suggests that it has been awaiting official inspiration. It professes to regard Mr. Wilson's action with equanimity, even relief, because it entirely frees Germany's hands, which had hitherto been fettered by a scrupulous regard for America's interests. Such a rupture had long been regarded as a possibility, the newspapers say, and can be faced with composure at a time when the Emperor and General Hindenburg announce that the military situation justifies Germany in undertaking ruthless undersea warfare, regardless of consequences. Some newspapers profess to welcome fresh enemies as giving an opportunity for further victories and proofs of Germany's invincibility wlyle* facing a world of enomies. Many indulge in sneers, and abuse Mr. Wilson. A wireless message from Berlin reports Herr Zimmermann, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, as saying: "There is no real cause on our own part for hostility against the United States. Naturally we appreciate the unhoßtile words of Mr. Wilson among others of a different character. While to a certain extent we see reasons prompting the United States to its present attitude, we expect Mr. Wilson to some extent to recognise the reasons prompting our decision." Australian and N.Z. Cable (Roooivod 11 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, Feb. 6. The most interesting of the German newspaper comments is that of the Vorwarts, which says: " Germany cannot give in. Germany is hungry. Mr. Wilson seems to us like a rich landlord interfering with a poor, hungry man who gets into trouble with the police for trying to get food required for life,'*