AMERICAN PREPARATIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13449, 30 March 1917, Page 5

AMERICAN PREPARATIONS

LABOUR FEDERATION'S PLEDGES. BRITAIN'S VALUABLE HELP. PRO-GERMAN ACTIVITIES. A PACIFICIST CAMPAIGN. SUBMARINES IN AMERICAN WATERS. BIG ENEMY PEACE DRIVE EXPECTED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received March 30, 8.45 a.m. NEW YORK, March 29. The Government has had a conference with the Labour leaders, with the object of mobilising labour in the event of war, and the Federation of Labour pledged its fullest support. The New York Times' London correspondent says that Britain is supplying the American Embassy with all the details of her war measures, including the raising of her army, the organising of munitions and finance, and the control of conscription. All the information giving the United States the advantage of Britain's experience is being forwarded to America. The Providence journal throws an interesting light on the pro-German activities. It says that a peace demonstration planned in Washington for April 2 was really a pro-German movement in the guise of pacificism, arranged and financed by German-Ameri-can propagandists, with the object of lobbying and delaying action leading to war. Secret meetings were held in New York, at which representatives of ,the pro-German newspapers promised press support. Albert Staub, a Red Cross director, says that spies have placed poisonous chemicals and ground glass in the Red Cross bandages. The Herald states that two German submarines were seen a few miles off Long Island. The report has not been confirmed. The State Department is investigating an unofficial report that Germany is detaining the relief workers in Belgium, also Mr Whitlock for about a month, in order to prevent them disclosing military secrets. The officials say that this will be the grossest violation of Germany's promises. There are persistent rumours from Berlin that Germany in'ends to make another spectacular move prior to April 2nd in the hope of thwarting Mr Wilson's plan. The Tribune's Washington correspondent states that a German attempt at a peace drive is expected within 24 hours, possibly when Dr von BethmannHollweg addresses the Reichstag.

Mr Wilson is determined to proceed Vith, his war programme despite the pacificists' moves. CHANCELLOR'S STATEMENT. WAR NOT SOUGHT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received March 30, 12.50 p.m. BERLIN, aMrch 29. Dr. von Bethmann Hollweg, the Imperial Chancellor, in the Reichstag, said that Germany had no intention of making war on the United States, and never intended to resort to hostilities.