The German Parliament has compelled the Government to withdraw its
proposed brewhouse tax, and has rejected a pro- posal to punish attacks on the German Government committed by foreigners residing abroad, as high treason. This proposal would undoubtedly have brought Germany into collision with half the Governments of Europe, which could not allow their subjects to be punished in Germany for offences committed at home, and not punished by their own law. On the other hand, the Parliament has passed " the Arnim clauses," making dis- obedience to the Foreign Office by a diplomatist a penal offence, punishable, if the offence is injurious to the Empire or any of its States, with not less than three months' imprisonment. The agents of the German Chancellor are now, therefore, if they reveal secrets or express doubt that their chief means what he says, criminally responsible.
Previous page
