THE WAR PLOTTERS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2557, 3 September 1915, Page 6

THE WAR PLOTTERS

AUSTRO-GERMAN INTRIGUES

EXPOSED IN A BELGIAN GREY BOOK By Teleeraph—Press. Association—Oopyrielt (Rec. September 2, 10.40 p.m.) ; London, September 2. In a Belgian Grey Book is published a series of documents showing that Germany and Austria wore plotting for war, foreseeing a European conflagration, yet strongly hoping that Britain would! remain neutral. • , . M. Boyens, Belgian Minister at Berlin, learning, on August 4, of Germany's intention- to violate Belgian, neutrality, coupled with the hope that no resistance would be-olfered, asked Herr Von Jagow (German foreign Minister) whether lie had-had any reply. ' His only apology was: "It is a question of life and death for Germany." M. Beyens remarked: "The whole of Belgium will approve of King Albert's and the Belgian Government's reply," adding:. "You must recognise that anyother reply, is impossible." • ■ Herr yon Jagow replied: "I recognise it. I uudorstand 1 your reply as:a private.person, but as Secretary of State I have no opinion to express."', . M. Beyens rejoined: "A nation, like a private person, cannot live without honour. Europe will judge. Moreover, you will have against you England, the faithful guarantor of our neutraltiy." Herr Von. Jagow shrugged liis shoulders, signifying, that either the idea was impossible, or else the die was cast: "We cannot draw back." M. Be.yens's dispatches" 6howcd that the prevalent feeling in-Eerlin was that France, had insufficient heavy guns, while Krupp and Von' Bohleri liaa described Russia's artillery as ■ far from good or complete. . Hence the war-mak-ers' absolute confidence in a swift and easy victory., ; , ..' . . .