DISCUSSION IN THE REICHSTAG.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11366, 12 October 1917, Page 5

DISCUSSION IN THE REICHSTAG.

MICHAELIS DENOUNCES INDEPENDENT SOCIALISTS. N A DEPUTY INVOLVED. (Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Thursday, 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, Oct. 10. Herr Dittinan (Independent Socialist) in tho Reichstag said that a systematic propaganda existed to defeat a peace by agreement. Dr Michaelis’s speech convicted the Germans of a policy of falsehood and duplicity. Meanwhile the Independent Socialists were being imprisoned because of this propaganda of treason. The speech frequently evoked an uproar. Dr Michaelis, in reply, declared that the Independent Socialists were a grave danger to Germany. The punishment inflicted on" the naval mutineers was not excessive. Documents found showed that the mutineers were pledged to recognise the principles of the Independent Socialists and had been conducting a widespread agitation among the crews. The sentences must be severe because it was necessary to orcak all resistance in these critical days. Admiral von Capolle said: “I cannot make a statement in regard to events at the front, but the rumours are exaggerated. Herr Dittman has been a party to the mutineers’ plans.” Three deputies, Dittman, Haase and von Therr, denied that their proposals were revolutionary. ■ They declared they had a perfect right to speak to tho sailors regarding their conditions. Tho Conservatives urged that these deputies should be tried for high treason. Dr Michaelis admitted that some sailors had committed regrettable crimes. They possessed tickets binding them to support the Independent Socialists’ principles and carried on a propaganda aboard the warships. He declared that Independent Socialists were now outside the pale to which all German officials must belong.