HINDENBURG'S BIRTHDAY

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17221, 3 October 1927, Page 7

HINDENBURG'S BIRTHDAY

GERMANY'S CELEBRATIONS SUCCESSION OF DEPUTATIONS. HIS TANNENBERG SPEECH. (Australian anrt N.Z. Cable Assn.) BERLIN, October 1. The streets of Berlin are gay with flags in honour of President Hindenburg's 80th birthday to-morrow. The Government buildings show the Republican colours, but on many private houses have been hoisted old Monarchist flags. The veteran President awoke this morning to find that his palace had been transformed 'into a paradise of flowers by German horticulturists.

Deputations followed each other in rapid succession, making various presentations, the chief of which, at Hindenburg's own wish, being a fund for those distressed by the war.' On behalf of the Government the Chancellor, Dr. Marx, presented a magnificent porcelain service. Industrialists handed over a deed of assignment of the President's family estate. It is rumoured that the gifts from the family included a badly-needed new silk hat. Many political prisoners have been granted an amnesty. PARIS, October 1.

The French Foreign Minister, M. Briand, told the other members of the Cabinet a curious story based on the conversation he had with the German Foreign Minister, .Herr Stresemann, about President Hindenburg's Tannenberg speech as to war guilt. M. Briand said he was informed that the original draft of the speech shown to Herr Stresemann contained a sentence in which'it was emphasised that Hindenburg was speaking in his own name, "not as President of the German Republic, but as an aged soldier who is soon to meet his God." This vital sentence was cut out when the speech was delivered without Herr Stresemann being informed.