GREAT BERLIN PARADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19632, 10 May 1927, Page 9

GREAT BERLIN PARADE.

REVIVAL OF MILITARISM.

DEMANDS OF THE ROYALISTS. PEACE TREATIES DENOUNCED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. A. and N.Z. BERLIN. May S. Tho goose-step and the field grey uniform returned to Berlin this week-end when 80,000 ex-service men, carrying hundreds of war standards on which steel helmets were embossed, marched past the grandstands in the Stadium. It was the first big military ceremonial since the war. The former high command of army galloped ahead. The columns swung along the field goose-stepping and pausing with lowered flags in front of a special box in which sat tho ex-Kaiser's two sons, August and Oscar. Several wartime generals and admirals stood to the salute. After the manoeuvres the Princes and the generals reviewed the " Steel Helmets" to the accompaniment of martial music. " Deutschland über A lies" was sung, and the majority of the 50,000 onlookers joined in the chorus. A similar parade was held in the Lustogarten, adjoining the ex-Kaiser's palace. Several disturbances occurred and 200 persons were arrested. Military Tradition Maintained. The " Steel Helmets" virtually took possession of the capital. The extraordinary vigilance of the police prevented more riots than actually occurred. " The great unarmed militia" is the only fitting name for tha formidable away of medalled war veterans and warlike recruits on parade. Although they did not display precision of movement, the smartness of their dress and bearing was akin to that which used to characterise prewar ceremonials.

The " Steel Helmets" organisation is unmistakably military in its equipment and discipline. It is the standard bearer in demilitarised Germany. Tho old military tradition, the goose-step, war standards and martial music are its stock in trade. Memories of battle, defiance o£ defeat, and a belief in tho future glory of Germany are its life and soul. The thousands of spectators were obviously sympathetic. After sharp words of command and well-executed manoeuvres the leader of the organisation mounted the steps of the National Gallerj and addressed the assembly. Flag o! Monarchy Demanded. The speech of the leader was broadcast throughout the squste by means of loudspeakers. He said the " Steel Helmets" did not recognise the Treaty of Versailles nor the later treaties and agreements. They demanded a restoration of conscription and a revocation of the accusation of responsibility© for the war, a declaration as to which was extracted from Germany forcibly. Above ail they demanded a restoration of the black, white and red flag under which Germany had carried on her most heroic struggle against tho world. The last statement resulted in .tremendous applause. A two minutes' silencis in memory of the deaid was observed and a hymn was sung. Then " Deutschlarid Über Alles" was repeated four times.