New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-25
Britain Made War
To Kill Trade Rival,
Declares HelRerich

AMSTERDAM, Aug. 24.-Vice-Chan-
cellor Helfferich, in the course Of the
debate in the Main Committee of the
German Reichstag, said the real rea-
son WHY Great Britain entered the war
was the fact that Germany's trade would
in 1917 presumably have reached the
level Of the trade of Great Britain.
"This war" the Chancellor
said, 'is the result Of tension created
by the fact that Great Britain was con-
stantly feeling the glazing and increas-
ing disproportion between her superior
world and naval power and Germany's
increasing economic strength.
zone ought clearly to recognize that
Great Britain's object was our economic
oppression. To abandon ones self to
any illusion in this respect would be
fatal"
Ridicules Lloyd George
DR.. Helferich repudiated as unjusti-
fed the reproach that he ever had made
any prophecies respecting the efficacy
Of the German submarine warfare.
"Prophesying," he said, Il leave 10
Great Britain. Premier Lloyd George
statistics in his latest speech are mere
humbug. If the British Premier, con-
trary 10 his declarations in April, now
draws a favorable picture Of the sltua-
tion-although It certainly has not be-
come more favorable-this proves, first
that public feeling in Great Britain
urgently needs 70 be comforted, and
second, that Lloyd George considers II
necessary to play upon German public
opinion.
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.
Storms Help U-Boats
dThis menaceis not so much on land
or in the air as IL is in the water. TIE
opinion, shared by Mr.. Lloyd George
that fine weather is particularly favor
able for U-boat activity is a mistaken
one. Smooth seas and lulls in the wind
are very disagreeable for U-boats, es-
pecially in view Of .he enemy's de-
fensive measures, regarding aircraft in
particular. Some U-boat commanders
are of the opinion that submarine war
fare can be carried on with still better
results when the weather is not toe
fine and the nights are longer.
"The navigation Of ships under escort
obstructs the scope Of the U-boats
of course, but il also involves consider.
able disadvantage for the enemy, owing
70 the fact that such a flotilla is un.
handy and has difficulty IN eluding a
submarine attack quickly.
As sea traffic diminishes, sinkings
Of course, will probably decrease gradu.
ally. To-day the sinking Of even 8
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, snxiously avoiding definite par.
tieulars as 20 total British losses in
tonnage. II is interesting to note his
remark that all tonnage sunk among
that requisitioned for the military
must be compensated from tonnage
available for commercial purposes. His
statement respecting British shipbuild
ing must be viewed with the utmost
doubt
"For continuation Of the U-boat war.
fare all materials and the personnel re.
quired are ready in ample measure SO
that, in a military respect, there can
not be any doubt that IL will be con
tlnued efficiently"