GERMANY'S ARMAMENTS.

Speech Delivered in the Reichstag, March 30, 1911.


I have asked to speak in order to make a few brief remarks on the
question of disarmament and arbitration. The Social Democratic
motion proposes that I should take steps to bring about a general
limitation of armaments. As a matter of fact, the idea of
disarmament is being constantly discussed by pacifists in
Parliaments and in Congresses far and wide. Even the first peace
conference at The Hague had to confine itself to expressing the
wish that the Governments should devote themselves to the continued
study of the question.

Germany has responded to this desire, but has been able to find no
suitable formula, and I am not aware that other Governments have
been more successful. The time when wars were made by Cabinets is
past. The feelings which here in Europe may lead to war lie
elsewhere.

They have their roots in antagonisms which must be found in popular
sentiment. Everybody knows how easily this sentiment is influenced
and how, unfortunately, in many cases, it abandons itself
helplessly to irresponsible press agitations. A counterpoise to
all such and similar influences can but be desired. I shall be the
first to welcome it whenever international efforts succeed in
creating such a counterpoise.

But if I am to take practical steps and am to propose mutual