HOW GERMANY MADE WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16013, 3 September 1915, Page 6

HOW GERMANY MADE WAR.

THE DEMAND ON BELGIUM.

AMBASSADOR'S COMMENT.

" EUROPE WILL JUDGE."

?Rec€i-re<i September 2, 10.40 p-m.)

Loxdox. September 2.

A Belgian Grey Book has been issued containing a series of documents showing that Germany and Austria were plotting for war lastyear, foreseeing a European conflagration, yet strongly hoping thatBritain would remain neutral.

M. Sevens, the Belgian Minister at Berlin, saw Herr von Jagow, German Foreign Secretary, on August 4, with reference to Germany's intention to violate Belgian neutrality, and her hope that no resistance would be offered. Herr von Jagow's only apology was: "It is a question of life or death for Germany."

M. Beyens remarked that the whole of Belgium approved of the reply of King Albert's Government, adding: " You must recognise that any other reply was impossible."

Herr von -Jagow replied: " I recognise it I understand your reply as a private person, but as a Secretary of State I have no opinion to express."

M. Beyens rejoined: " Nations, like private persons, cannot live without honour. Europe will judge. Moreover, you will have against you England, die faithful guarantor of cur neutrality/'

Herr von Jagow shrugged his shoulders, signifying either that the idea was impossible, or else thai the die was cast and they could not draw back.

M. Beyens's despatches show that the prevalent feeling in Berlin was that France had not sufficient heavy guns, while German armamentmakers described Russia's artillery as far from good or complete, fierce, the war-makers had absolute confia "nee that they would secure a 'swift and easy victory.