THE CHANGED TONE IN GERMANY

New Zealand Tablet, 1 June 1916, Page 18

THE CHANGED TONE IN GERMANY

The reports which state that depression prevails in Germany are not exaggerated. Despite the astonishing energy with which the German forces have conducted the campaign, the resourcefulness of the leaders and the courage . of the men, the losses and , troubles they have to bear are telling very severely on the population. Signs of the change that has taken place are manifest in the newspapers (says the Catholic Times). A prominent daily journal, which some few months ago boasted freely of the German resolve to desist from 'warfare only when the Allies were beaten, now says 4 The fearful world-war has lasted longer than anyone expected. But perhaps there is justification for the hope that the coming summer or autumn will see events taking a decisive turn. There is no doubt that of all the belligerent nations the Germans are the readiest to hold out the hand for a fitting peace as soon as it is to be obtained. We must, however, in accordance with the successes we have gained, make our future secure and obtain compensation for the sacrifices imposed on us. But our enemies do not wish to make peace until Germany is annihilated as an industrial and military Power and reduced to political impotence, so we have to continue to fight for our existence.’ There is here nothing of the vaunting tone that was customary until a month or two ago. The Germans cjp not now disguise the fact that they feel they have had quite enough of fighting.