INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Otago Witness, Volume 14, Issue 2648, 14 December 1904, Page 25

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

AN IMPORTANT STATEMENT.

BERLIN, December 10.

In the Reichstag, Count yon Bulow, the Chancellor, censured the comic press for abusing and ridiculing Russia. He condemned its immeasurable violence and injudicious attitude during the South African war. The more Socialists conducted a hostile, clamorous, stupid propaganda against the Russian Government the more the Government would be compelled to take pains to keep relations peaceable. He referred to the under- currents in Europe and the arming and warlike complications. While trusting France's desire for revenge would vanish, he was unable to regard the feeling beyond the stage of the optimist tone exhibited. The English press attacks indicated the presence of plenty of explosive material and people desirous of applying the match. Personally and on behalf of Germany, he disclaimed Anglophobia. Count yon Bulow announced the resumption of negotiations with Austria at Austria's instance, adding that Germany would only assent to a commercial treaty on condition that the protection of German cattle from foreign diseases was continued.

Count yon Bulow, in the Reichstag, referring to Herr Vollinar's statement, denied the existence of^a secret treaty between Germany and .Russia.