THE GREAT WAR

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6203, 7 October 1921, Page 5

THE GREAT WAR

WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE? KAISER AND VON MOLTKE. “NOW DO AS YOU WISH.” (United Press association—Copyright.) PARIS, Oct. 5. The Matin publishes an interview with Steiner, an Austrian sociologist, an intimate* friend of Von Moltke. Referring to Von Moltke’s memoirs on the origin of the war, Steiner said that Von Moltke, on reaching Berlin after the ultimatum' was presented to Serbia, found*'the plans of the German general staff practically unchanged since .they were drawn up by Von Schieffen and Von Moltke on July 30th. He asked the Kaiser to sign the mobilisation order. William satisfied himself by announcing a threat of war. Moltke returned to the Palace,,, the following afternoon. The Kaiser v/as denouncing the Chief of Staff’s plan and said he had received better news from England. England would not only remain' neutral, but would prevent France from participating in the war. lu these circumstances the logical plan was to throw all their forces against Russia. Moltke had no faith in the news from England, and as he held the mobilisation order signed by the Kaiser, he withdrew at the first opportunity, but was overtaken and asked to return to the Palace.' He handed.the order however, to an aide-de-camp, and told him to order the advance of the troops! William showed Moltke a telegram from which it appeared certain that England and France would be neutral. The Kaiser remarked: “We must countermand your order to advance.” Moltke refused; then the Kaiser sent an order to headquarters for the army to stop an hour’s march from the Franco-Bel-gian frontier. The Kaiser summoned Moltke at 10 o’clock in the evening and said he had received fresh news. He added: “Now do as you wish.” The war started the following morning. ...