Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-19
regarded as one of this country's coming
writ

1--WE need a strong army not only as
an educational institution for our y ung
men, but also for the maintenance Of our
political prestige and our influence in Eu-
rope. So long as our army maintains it's
old standard of excellence, and Is always
ready for action, it will fulfil its purpose
and prevent war, and I believe that the
money expended for this purpose Is we'll
invested
81 do not belong to those theorists who
believe that disarmament would Increase
our national prosperity. On the contrary,
it appears to me that disarmament would
be the best way of undermining our eco
nomic DEVELOPMENT.
'"rhe most important and, indeed
noblest object Of our foreign policy Is.
and will remain, the maintenance or
friendly relations with England, but DO
not think that fraternal festivals. how
ever we'll meant this most delicate OF
attentions. can produce much good.
'.Rivalry between the two nations is
NOT due to malicious calumnles or 70
mere folly, but to the unalteraole Iact
full factors not only in Europe. but also
on the seas OF the world History teaches
that there has always been a certain
rivalry between the most powerful coun-
tries but that such rivalries DO NOT nee
essarily lead to war.
idea Called Utopian.
st know that there is in general
tendency to regard the naval question as
the most important point OF difference
and that many believe 1t Is possible to
remove the Anglo-German tension by
bringing about a mutual understanding
regarding naval ornaments. In my optn-
ion, however desirable such an agree
ment would be, the idea that 1t could
offer a solution satisfactory to both sides
is surely utopian.
cfo ,1c
at present, or to what extent Germany
would be prepared to make concessions,
and l think that there is no reason why
we should avoid an Informal friendly
discussion on the subject. although at
the same time We must not base exag-
gerated hopes thereon.
IF it were possible, by means of wise
policy which inspires confidence. to re-
duce the speed of naval construction and
thereby to lessen the burden of the tax
payer that would be all that can be
realized at present. and this success
would be welcomed"
Vice Admiral Won Ahlefeld. dtstin-
gu!shed officer on the retired list. replies
to Lord Avebury in long statement, in
the course of which he says:
Suspicion Might Disappear.
II believe that all the suspicion of Ger
many which now exists in England would
disappear If England would pursue the
policy OF creating an army which would
protect it from invasion. If England had
an army capable of protecting her against
every invasion l am persuaded that she
would put an end to all this senseless,
injurious and regrettable rivalry.
Lord Avebury has declared that the
responsibility for the present condition
of affairs does not rest on England. but
on Germany. l fear that in making this
declaration he has rendered no service to
the committee for bringing about rap
prochement between England and Ger
many, because it is natural for us to re-
ply that England, and not Germany is to
blame"
The Deutsche Revue also publishes a
statement from one Of the foremost mill
tary experts In Germany, who remains
anonymous, and who writes: Germany is
not disturber but protector of peace.
England has considered the possibility Of
invading Germany by landing troops on
werp, or in port OF Northern France.
Having done SO, the British naturally
consider the possibility Of German inva-
sion of England.
Just Drop the Idea.
1T is only necessary for the British to
abandon the thought OF invading Germany
to be quite sure that the Germans will
abandon all thoughts Of invading Eng
land"
The editor of the Deutsche Revue ex-
presses the opinion that If Great Britain
seriously desires the limitation of naval
ornaments she must lead the way by re-
ducing her own program of naval con-
struction. Instead of so doing, she con-
tinues to build new Dreadnoughts and to
enlarge the size OF her battleships.