NEUTRAL IN GERMANY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11670, 10 April 1916, Page 7

NEUTRAL IN GERMANY.

TEUTONIC FEAR OF ENGLAND.

A Scandinavian writer, after leaving spent isome ten weeks in Germany, has givon to the "Secolo," of Milan (says tho Central News correspondent), tho gist of impressions which, ho intends to publish in book form. Ho says public opinion in Germany holds that the wax has been carried on victoriously hitherto, but, this argument notwithstanding, there is everywhere a vague sense of inquietude, anA the uncertainty of tho morrow is weighing heavily on the nation. Notwithstanding tho Pact of London, the Gormans place their chief hope in a separate peace with one or other of the enemy Powers. Tho Chancellor spoke the mind of the nation when he described treaties as scraps of paper. The casualty lists published by the military authorities are always throe or four months late; they do not contain the names of the slightly wounded, and are suspected of being otherwise incorrect. Hind'enburg fought his last battles in Russia with tho Landwehr; Mackensen spared his men in Serbia, utilising artillery almost exclusively. Germany began the war with eight million available men. By December 1, 1016, according to the most moderate calculations of hor daily and monthly losses, she will have no more than throe millions, including the youths of the 1916 and 1917 classes, of whom at least one million will be required in the auxiliary services. Germany does not lack arms and ammunition, it is true; but the people are well aware of the feverish, organised) activity that prevails in tho Allied countries, in America and in Japan. A German officer told the writer quoted that tho German army owed almost ah its successes to its heavy artillery. Now this advantage has been lost, for the French showed during their attack in Champagne that to-day they possess au exoelient, armament of heavy artillery. In short, the problem of men is disquieting, while the advantage in artillery and munitions is disappearing. In regard to the economic situation, tho Scandinavian writer .gives several proofs that, if it is not as bad as, sections of the Allied Press make out, it is very far from rosy. Asked if ho believed Germany would hold out for a long time,'the ". Secolo " informant said he was convinced that for the next twelve months she would be able to cope with her difficulties, external as well as internal. A peace concluded before the end of 191b would bo bound to be advantageous to her. Bub what causes the chief prcoccupa- I tion in the German mind is—England i I The Crerman hatred of England—hatrea and fear—cannot be imagined. The Germans know the English well, their defeots and their .virtues; they know* and fear above all the cold and dogged perseverance of tho British. If the British and their Allies can continue th© war for another year, the Germans will not entertain any hope of victory. Tho greatest blows at Germany have been struck by the British — the loss of hor colonies, the loss of her commerce. The industrial concerns tha«.do not work for the Government are almost all in difficulties. Tho British blockade is much more effective than the Germans would like tho outside world to believe, whilst the German submarine "blockade" has aroused tho hatred of the world, ana brought on complications with AmericaVon Tirpitss is in disgrace. Germany, by means of the Balkan offensive, has sought to break the blockade; but even if she reaches Asia sho will not have the sea. "This war," says the Scandinavian, "will either bo won definitely in 191t> by the Germans on land, or in 1917 by tho British on the sea." The same authority is among those who believe the Germans are preparing an early offensive in Flanders.