The debate in the Reichstag on the German Defence Bills
took place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The more important speeches were made on Monday. As regards the Navy the Bills provide for the creation of a third active squadron of the High Sea Fleet partly by redistribution and partly by new construction. The money for the increase of the Army and Navy is to be found by the abolition of the rebate on the spirit duty, and it will be remembered that the late Secretary of the Imperial Treasury resigned because be was convinced that the Government would have to borrow. The Minister for War declared that to make the Army more ready for war and to add to its strength was "an absolute necessity of State." He appealed for authority to begin his scheme next October. Admiral Tirpitz followed with an argument to prove the not less vital necessity of increasing the Navy.
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