Germany's Aims and Methods

Abstract

IN the debate on January 10 on Mr. Hewins's motion that Britain should co-operate in the closest manner with her colonies in prosecuting the war, he pointed out that the Germans do not separate their military from their commercial policy. “From the German point of view, the war began some years ago in certain economic measures, and the war will continue after the conclusion of military operations in certain economic measures which they already have in preparation.” This is profoundly true, and some of the details of these economic operations are very clearly put by Mr. Hewins in his speech. He went on to point out that the present hope of Germany is not so much a complete military victory, as a position from which they will be able “to foist upon conquered territories German contracts, German aims, and German traditions.” He does not think that a customs-union with the Dominions and the Allies is a possible method of opposing Germany, but counsels control of raw materials produced in the Empire, so that they may never again come into German hands. The question of shipping, too, should be an imperial one; also that of treaties. There must be a spirit of solidarity among the Allies in any treaties with Germany which may in future be made. The writer agrees; but ventures to think that a refusal,to make any treaty whatever with Germany and her allies would be a better measure.