TEARING THE “SCRAP OF PAPER”

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9139, 3 September 1915, Page 5

TEARING THE “SCRAP OF PAPER”

BELGIAN EXPOSURE OF HUN PERFIDY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received September 2, 10.40 p.ra.) LONDON, . September 2. A Belgian Grey Hook publishes a series of documents showing that Germany and Austria .wore plotting for war, foreseeing a European conflagration, yet strongly hoping that Britain would remain neutral. Baron Beyers, the Belgian Minister at Berlin, learning on the fourth of August of Germany’s intention to violate Belgian neutrality, coupled with the hope that no resistance would be offered, united Herr von Jagow, the Gorman Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had he no reply. His only apology was: “It is a question' of life or death foi Germany.” Baron Boyers remarked thar the whole of Belgium would approve of King Albert’s and the Government’s reply, adding: “You must recognise that any other reply would bo impossible.” Herr von Jagow replied: “I recognise it. I understand >our reply as a private person; but as Secretary of State I have no opinion to express.” Baron Beyers rejoined: “A nation, like a private person, cannot live without honour. Europe will judge. Moreover, you will have against you England, the faithful guarantor of our neutrality.” Herr von Jagow shrugged his shoulders, signifying either that the idea was impossible, or else that the die was cast and Germany could not draw k aCk Baron Beyers’s despatches showed that there was a prevalent feeling in Berlin that France had an insufficiency of heavy guns, while Krupp von Bohleu described Russia’s artillery as far from good or complete. Hence, the war-ma-kors’ absolute confidence in a swift and easy victory.