TRADE AND PEACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22777, 10 July 1937, Page 17

TRADE AND PEACE

GERMANY'S INTENTIONS

CONFIDENCE IN FUTURE NOTED DIPLOMAT'S VIEWS WAR TALK DEPRECATED Germany had adopted the two-word slogan of "Keep Fit," said Dr. Hans Luther, distinguished German diplomat, who arrived at Auckland by the Mariposa yesterday. He added that with the confidence brought by a higher standard of physical efficiency had come confidence in tho future for German peoples, and a gradually increasing birth-rate. Inseparably bound with these issues were peace and a more free trade relationship among the world's peoples. In Germany last year there were 1,600,000 births, said Dr. Luther, an accurate standard upon which one might judge the progress of a nation. Youth had an entirely new outlook—ono which in a few years had changed from despair to hope and ambition, and a high standard of physical and national well-being. New methods had replaced the old, and achievements had far exceeded expectations; there had been the return to the standard of a sound mind in a sound body; a better balance. In turning to the question of peace, Dr. Luther deprecated the talk of war, since it retarded world confidence, which in turn affected world trade. Germany's intentions were pacific, and her needs were such that she desired question of world peace was mingled with that of world trade. Some counto encourage trade with those countries which bought her goods. The whole tries had enjoyed prosperity in recent years, while the recovery of others was slower, but in Germany last year the trade balance was favourable, although overseas her trade was not so marked. "Trade expansion and increased prosperity arc the corner-stones of security and contentment among the nations," said Dr. Luther. "Do not f suppose there will be anything hut peace—there will be no war—but what we need is real peace, that peace which is in the minds i of the people. There is great danger in this war talk. We must have peace, but it must bo a constructive peace."