Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-25
BRITAIN DRIVEN TO WAR
BY FEAR OF GERMAN TRADE
Vice-Chancellor Helfferich Declares
Economic Oppression of His Coun-
try Is England's Object.
ANY OTHER 1LLUsIoN FATAL
Lloyd Georges Favorable Picture Of
Submarine Situation Drawn, He
Says, to Comfort Public Feeling.
Real Menace Is in the Water.
rBy Associated Press.1

AMSTERDAM. August a4.-vice-
Chancellor HelTerich. during debate
before the main committee Of the Ger
man ReichstaG, said the real reason
why Great Britain entered the war
was the fact that Germanys trade
would in 1917 presumably have the
level of the trade of Great Britain.
This war" he said. els the result
of tension created by the fact that
Great Britain was constantly feeling
the glazing and increasing proportion
between her superior world and naval
power and Germany's increasing econ
omic strength.
One ought clearly to recognizes that
Great Brtain's object was our
economic oppression. To abandon ones
self to any illusion In this respect
would be fatal"
DR.. Helfferich repudiated as unjusti-
fed the reproach that he had ever
made any prophecies representing the
efficacy Of the German submarine war
fare
"Prophesying." he said. ~ leave to
Great Britain. Premier Lloyd Georges
statistics in his latest speech are
mere humhug. If the British Premier.
contrary to his declarations in April.
Observation-Disclosures 1t certainly has not
become more favorahle-this proves
first that public feeling in Great Brit
ain urgently needs to be comforted.
and, second. that Lloyd George con-
siders it. necessary to play upon Ger
man public opinion.
MENACE OPERATES DESPITE
PROSPECT OF AMERICAN AID
This impression is confirmed by the
obvious consideration that Premier
Lloyd Georges words can only be ex-
planned by the same direct menace
which operates despite the prospect
OF American aid, in the tremendous
dash on the western front with an
immense concentration OF men and
material.
This menace is not SO much on land
or in the air as It Is in the water.
The opinion. shared by Mr.. Lloyd
George. that fine weather Is particu-
iarly favorable for U-boat activities,
is a mistaken one. Smooth seas and
lulls in tho wind are very djsagreeable
for U-boats, especially in view of the
enemy's defensive measures, regarding
aircraft in particular. Some U-boat
commanders are Of the opinion that
submarine warfare can be carried on
with still better results when tho
weather is not too fine, and the nights
are longer
The navigation Of ships under
escort obstructs the scope OF the
U-boats. of course, but It also involves
considerable disadvantage for the
enemy. owing to the fact that such a
notilla is unhandy, and has difficulty
in eluding submarine attack quickly.
SINKINGS DECREASE
AS TRAFFIC DI1lINIsHES
LAS sea traffic diminishes, sinkings,
OF course. will probably decrease grad
ually. To-day the, sinking OF even q
single ship is felt much more intensely
by the entente than at the beginning
of the u-boat war. The statements of
our naval staff respecting the tonnage
resources of Great Britain may be re-
garded as exact. Mr.. Lloyd Georges
statements are artificial manipulations
OF figures. He mixes net and gross
losses anxiously avoiding definite par
uculars as to total British losses in
tonnage. IT is interesting to note his
remark that all tonnage sunk among
that requlsitioned for the military
must be compensated from tonnage
available for commercial purposes.
HIS statement respecting British ship
building must be viewed with the
utmost doubt
For continuation OF the U-boat war
fare. all materials and the personnel
REQUIRED arc ready in ample measure,
SO that, In a military respect, there
cannot be any doubt that it will be
continued efficiently"