WAR BOOK

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, 22 March 1921, Page 5

WAR BOOK

BY THE EX-KAISER ATTACKS ON ENGLAND

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association)

LONDON, March 21

The Manchester Guardian exclusively publishes extracts Irom a hook which the ex-Kaiser prepared during tus exile. Only twelve copies exist, anti these were forwarded in Sep tom her, H)2O, to twelve generals, each containing a personal note declaring that the ex Kaiser did not wish the contents published or dismissed in the press. The aim of the book is to defend the ex-Kaiser’,s policy and prove Ills innocence ol war guilt. The book is arranged in eleven parallel columns, cadi column containing a brief historical table, dates, and brief notes. The columns are heaaed Germany, Aus-tria-Hungary, Italy, England, France, Ameiica, Japan, Turkey, Tim Balkans, and General. The hook concludes with a survey ol the events preceding mobilisation in UH L * The ex-Kaiser throughout con lends that Germany acted merely to preserve the world’s peace, while England was pursuing an encircling policy. The ex-Kaiser even claims that he, and not ex-Presidcnt Wilson, was the father of the League of Nations idea, and that his scheme was superior to Air Wilson’s.

In the column headed “England.” Wilhelm seeks lo prove an encircling policy. He alleges that in 1887 thee, was an Anglo Austrian rapprochement. Lord Salisbury declared that a German invasion of Belgium in the event of war would not injure Eng land’s honour, provided the Belgium territory remained unaltered. In 1895, at Cowes, the ex-Kaiser says he declined Lord Salisbury’s proposed partition for Turkey. In 1897 came tire Anglo-American Treaty, while Professor Usher published the, terms of an agreement among important personages in Fraiico, England, and America against the dangers of Pan-Ger-manism, obliging America to assist in the event of war. In 1899 came the Boor War, and Mr Chamberlain planned an alliance with Germany and America. Further notes read:— a ln 1901 Mr Chamberlain makes an anti-German speech, and British writers demand an alliance with France. In 1902 the British alliance with Japan was directed against Germany and Russia. In 1905 the Civil Lord of the British Ad miraltv threatens to destroy the German Fleet. In 1906 England closes an agreement with Belgium under which in the event of war Antwerp should become a base tor British troops. In 1907 Count Gloinsen re eonnoitres Holland and studies the possibility of lauding 100,000 men to march against Westphalia, via Utrecht. Edward the Seventh and (he Czar agree to move together against Germany within four to six years. In 1912" King George informs Sazonoff at Balmoral that he intends to destroy the German navy and merchant. marine. Sir E. Grey tells Sazanoff that England at the right moment will deliver a telling blow against German power, and confirms that England is committed to assist 1 ranee both navally and by landing troops. Mr Churchill announces that the differences with Germany cannot be bridged. A naval programme is the natural reply.” : Under the heading, “German Preparedness,” the book proceeds:— “General Townshend, after the capitulation ol Kut, admitted that in 1909, prior to going to South Africa, he attended a secret war council of authorised representatives of England, France, and Belgium, relating to' war against Germany. England planned to despatch 150,000 men to Belgium, who with the Belgians were to enter the Rhine Province.” Under the “General” column appears an entry:—“l9o4 documents seized iii Brussels show clearly that Belgium recognised Irom 1897 to 1904 that a dangerous ring was being woven around Germany under English leadership. In 1905 England is trying to disturb Russo-German relations, The isolation of Germany is now England’s object.” , •