LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13341, 1 April 1911, Page 5

LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS.

Press Association.—Telegraph.—Copyright. BERLIN, March 31. Dr. von Bcthmaun-Holhvcg, Imperial Chancellor and Prussian Premier, speaking in the Reichstag, referring, to the Social Democratic proposal that he should imitate the general limitation of armaments, argued that Germany had studied the question, and was unable to find a suitable formula. He was. not aware that others were more successful. The time when European wars could be made by Cabinets was past. Wars, could only arise where antagonists had a rooted popular sentiment , which was very susceptible to an influence like tire irresponsible agitations of the Press. If an_ international effort creatpd a counterpoise to-such influences Germany would be the first to rejoice, but a. definitc programme of disarmament was another qriestion. Just as indefinite, hazy proposals ever calculated to disturb instead: of promote peace, any scheme for settling the strength of nations in, accordance with a sort of precedency list, and arithmetically according' to ' areas of ininfluonce, was bound to fallf Herr Hollweg continued: “Somebody may say a claim to rank of precedenceyhas.-already. been fulfilled. England is convinced, and has repeatedly declared that nothwithstanding all her wishes for the limitation of armaments and international arbitration, her fleet must, under All circumstances, be a match for or superior to any possible combination in the world. She is, entitled to aim at that, but it is quite a different matter to make such a claim into the basis,.of an agreement which, by peaceful assent, is to be accepted by other Powerses- What if counterclaims are raised, arid the Powers are not satisfied with the respective roles assigned them? Similarly,an attempt to fix the strength of armies would be impracticable. The greatest obstacle was the question of control. He instanced Napoleon’s attempt to limit Prussia’s army to 42,000. Referring to Sir E. Grey’s suggestion regarding an exchange of information regarding shipbuilding, in order to prevent surprises, the Chancellor said that Germany had been able to fall in with the idea all the sooner, inasmuch as her shipbuilding programme was always laid open, and she had. therefore, declared her readiness to come ; to an agreement with England on the matter, hoping thereby that the expected calming of public opinion in England would follow. An unrestricted treaty, such as President Taft and Sir E.: Grey suggested would simply be. to put a seal on a state of things already existing.' The Chancellor continued : “Let the situation change, lot antagonists touching ,the vital interess arise, then'l would like to see an arbitration treaty that would not burn like tinder.” The Premier concluded by emphasising that Germany strategically held an exposed position, and had need for constant readiness, remembering that peaceableness depends upon strength. UNIVERSAL PEACE A DREAM. Germany the Disturbing Factor. Received April 1, 9 a.m. PARIS, March 31. The Echo de Paris says , that Herr Bcthmann-Hollweg’s remarkable speech has surely dispelled like a mist the dreams of certain Englishmen and Frenchmen. Lc Figaro says Germany regards universal peace as a. dream, and does not wish to renounce war, but intends to play the world role of a powerful nation.