STATEMENT BY THE KAISER

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 137, 6 December 1918, Page 8

STATEMENT BY THE KAISER

THREATENED ON ALL SIDES BY CRIMINAL CHARGES RESPONSIBILITY FOR "KRUGER* TELEGRAM. (tmilSD PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPXBJ6BT.) (ADS. AND N.Z. CABLE ASSN. AMD BEDTKK.) (Received December 6, 1.45 p.m.) LONDON, sth December. A message from The Hague states that the Kaiser preceded his formal abdication by a pencilled document writtenat Amerongen on 20th November, declaring that he was unable to comprehend his present situation. He regards himself still as God's instrument, and thinks God -is .sending him trials for hidden and' beneficent reasons. A Reuter message via America states that a German general, acting as orderly at Amerbngen, brought the following J message direct from the Kaiser who, on Tuesday, was inclined to make a public declaration, but to-day changed his j mind. "I am a private citizen," said the Kaiser, "and while I am in Holland; I will not make any statement whatever for publication." He added: "You must fully realise my position. I am threatened on all sides by criminal charges, which, if they are brought; I must face. Therefore I must reserve my statement until these charges are actually brought. I also owe a certain loyalty to the present German Government, and can not make any declaration which might comprom; fee others." The correspondent requested the general to ask the former Emperor whether he would confirm the Crown Prince')? assertion regarding the "Kruger Telegram," and the general brought back this answer: "The Crown Prince is absolutely correct in his facts. The telegram already written was laid before me for signature. I refused to sign for .three days, but finally did so, under pressure of German diplomats and my ■political advisers, who advanced many reasons for sending the: despatch. • Of course, having signed it, I take full responsibility." '