Kaiser and Czar.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 19, 6 January 1920, Page 5

Kaiser and Czar.

WILHELM’S LETTERS. EARLY HOSTILITY TO BRITAIN. NOW CLEARLY REVEALED. QUEEN VICTORIA’S OFFERS. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright, London, Jan. 4. The Kaiser, in a letter to Nicholas, dated 13th May, 1898, marked “very private and confidential,” states that he was mystified by the sudden cessation of British newspaper attacks upon Germany and himself, until he secretly ascertained that it was due to Queen Victoria’s instructions. Soon after a celebrated politician (unna,med, but he probably meant Joseph Chamberlain) sent for the Ambassador and offered Germany a treaty and alliance with England. The Ambassador was astonished and doubted the sincerity of the offer as the British Parliament was unlikely to ratify an alliance with any Continental Power, thereby sacrificing the nation’s freedom* of action.

The British Minister replied that the situation had completely changed and the offer was sincere. Subsequently the offer was renewed a few weeks later, but under the Kaiser’s instructions the Ambassador answered dilatorily and colourlessly. Continuing, the Kaiser says: “I thought the affair had ended, but the proposal has now been renewed for the third time in an unmistakable manner*, accompanied by enormous offers showing a great future opening for my country. Before 1 give my answer I come to you frankly and openly, my esteemed friend and cousin, as 1 believe it is a matter of life and death. It is intended that the alliance shall embrace the Triple Alliance, also Japan and America. As my old and trusted friend I beg you to tell me what you can offer. If I refuse I must be able to see clearly, and your proposal must be clear and open without any backthoughts, so that I can judge what is good for the Fatherland and the world’s peace. Write as in old times my grandfather would have written your grandfather, and may God help you to a right decision. Time is pressing; please answer soon.”

THE PALESTINE PILGRIMAGE. The next letter is dated August, 1S!)8 ; and . states that England is continuing her advances about the alliance, but does not disclose her hand. “As far as 1 can make out she is tiding- to find a Continential army to tight for her interests. She won’t easily find one, at least, not mine.” The Kaiser also expresses astonishment at the amount of bosh and blarney published in the European newspapers about his visit to Jerusalem. “It is most discouraging to note that the sentiment of real faith which propels Christians to seek the country in which the Saviour lived and suffered is nearlv extinct in the so-called better classes. Therefore they are unable to explain my pilgrimage except by political motives.

THE MOHAMMEDAN CARD. The next letter is dated October, 1898, and refers to certain meddlesome Powers’ intrigue in Crete and declares that the Turks would regard the evacuation of Crete as a stain on their national Honour. The Kaiser expresses the hope that Nicky in his wisdom will find a solution for the Cretan problem which would be acceptable to the Sultan and thwart British intrigues. “Remember you and 1 agreed never to forget the Mohammedans who will be a tremendous card in our game in the event of you or 1 being suddenly confronted with war with a certain meddlesome Power. — (A. and N.Z.)