KAISER’S LETTERS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19846, 15 January 1920, Page 5

KAISER’S LETTERS

PERSONAL VIEWS. FRIEND OF RUSSIA. LONDON, January 12. To-day's instalment of the oxKaiscrs letters to tho late Czar of Russia deals largely with personal matters. la January, 1905, tho ex-Kaiser refers to the sensation caused by the fall of Port Arthur, and expresses tho deepest sympathy with the valiant general and tho brave diminishing band of heroes who strove to the utmost to fulfil their duty to their Emperor and country. Tho ex-Kaiser proceeds: “ I hope that you will not fancy that I intrude on your privacy when 1 bog you to tell mo your plans for tho future, so that, if possible, 1 may make myself useful to yon, and shape my policy. 1 prefer being informed by yourself directly, as I have firmly stood to you and your country as a faithful friend.” The ox-Kaiser continues:—“ Now that the programme for tho renewal oi your fleet is published, I hope that you will not forget to remind your authorities to remember our great firms at Stettin, Kiel, etcetera.” A latei- letter, written in 1905. refers characteristically to the terrible massacre of tho people gathered to present a: petition to .tho Czar in front of the Winter Palace. Ho says: Ton have been through a serious trouble owing to the effervescence and agitation among the lower classes. I am glad your soldiers showed themselves reliable and true to their Emperor. Your reception of the deputation of workman has made a good impression everywhere, and showed them they could see the face of their dear bather if they asked this honour in duo form.' 5

The ex-Kaiser proceeds to discuss the reports of plans io reform Russia. Ho sajs: Most sensible, and best adapted to the people, and their customs, in my humble opinion, seems the formation of a body of men chosen from the best and ablest heads of the different Zemstvos This body would bo attached to, and advise the Imperial Council at which the Czar would preside from time to time. In this way yon would ensure tho adherence of tlic Executive once and for all to an autocratic Czar, and not to the loadin'* Ministers”