THE KAISER’S LETTERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19848, 17 January 1920, Page 9

THE KAISER’S LETTERS.

A RULER'S DUTIES. QUESTION OF NATIONAL HONOUR. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received January 17, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, January 14. The Kaiser, writing on June 9, 1905, definitely counselled the Czar to throw up tho sponge. He sympathises with him over Admiral Rojestvensky’s illstarred, effort at Tsushima, saying:— “ Prom a purely military and strategical 1 viewpoint this defeat ends the 'chance for a turn of the scales in your favour. The Japanese are row free to pour reserves into Manchuria for the siege of Vladivostook. As I previously told you tho war is unpopular. Is it compatible with the responsibility of a ruler to continue to force the whole nation to scud sons to be killed by hecatombs only for his sake, or for his conception of national honour? Will not the time come when tho blood of uselessly sacrificed thousands will bo laid at the ruler s door? And will not he be called upon by Him who is the real master of all kings and men, to answer for those whom the Creator entrusted to bin*? National honour is a good thing in itself, hut only when the nation is determined to uphold it. But when tho nation shows it has had enough, is it not reasonable that tho ruler should conclude peace rather than risk creating a feeling in tho country which might eventually force him to adopt their views?” Tho Kaiser adds:—“Of course, there is the array to be considered, but is it really convinced it is able to turn the scale? This is a question you alone an able answ'er. Peace negotiations would be hailed with joy by all your subjects after the tribute- of blood already given to tho Emperor.” As some consolation the Kaiser reminds Nicky that Napoleon and Frederick the Great also suffered defeat and goes ont “ Forgive tho length of this letter, but os a friend and colleague I feel bound to tell yon what I think is true and right. If I can be of the smallest use in the preparatory' stops for peace pray dispose of me ufc your leisure. I may perhaps turn your attention to tho fact that the Japanese have tho highest regard for America before all other nations, .because this mighty power with its tremendous fleet is next them. If anyone in tho world is able to influence the Japanese and induce them to ho reasonable in their proposals, it is Roosevelt. Should it meet your appproval I could easily place myself en rapport with him.” In July, 1900, the Kaiser renews his correspondence on an alliance for mutual support which he says would greatly benefit Russia, by quietening the minds of■ the people. The treaty would “encourage foreign financial circles to invest in enterprises in Russia. It is not impossible that even Japan might feel inclined to join. This would cool down English self > assertion and impertinences as she is her all}'. Also, the moment the now Government is known Hie smaller nations will be attracted to this new groat centre of gravity. 'They will revolve in tho orbit of Russia, Germany, France, Austria and Italy. This Quintuple Alliance will hold all unruly neighbours in order and impose peace even by force, if there is any power harebrained enough to wish to disturb it Wilhelm advises the Czar to build as many ships as possible at once, and not to forgot private German firms, besides tho French, in allotting the contracts, because they would work ns, for their own country, whereas the others Powers would make use of your engineers’ secrets.” The exchange of visits between tho french and British fleets at Brest and I ortsrnoutlx caused the Kaiser to remark: “I think it really cool for an Mb' to let her amie et allio drop like tuat. It would do tho French a world of good if you should draw the reins a little tighter.” Wilhelm odds: “The ten milliard francs which tho French have placed in Russia should hinder them from quite falling off, but we ice tho point to which the English flatterers have already brought tho French franco must remember that she is wedded to you, and is obliged to lie in bed with you eventually. She may give :i hner or a kiss now and then to me but she is,not to sneak into the bedroom. 'Hie Kaiser urges the Czar to promulgate immediately a Bill creating a re . presentative Assembly for Russia