EX-KAISER AND EX-CZAR

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14254, 3 January 1920, Page 5

EX-KAISER AND EX-CZAR

INTERESTING LETTERS. “WILLY’S" WORLD AMBITION. FRUSTRATED BY EDWARD VII. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received Jan. 2, 7.45 #.m.) LONDON, Dec. 31. The series of the Kaiser’s letters includes 75' written by him in English in his own handwriting, which were found among the Czar’s private effects after the latter’s murder at Ekaterinburg. The first batch, which is summarised herewith, commences on the death of Alexander 111. The Kaiser had seen Nicholas, when Czarevitch, during his visit to Berlin in January, 1893, and at Coburg in 1894. The Kaiser had evidently taken to heart ids grandfather’e deathbed advice, “Keep on good terms with Russia,” and the object revealed by the letters was to embroil Russia with Japan, mid later play off Russia against England and France. When this policy had matured the Kaiser expected that with the assistance of a huge army and navy he would have Europe and even the world at Germany’s mercy. Fortunately the scheme miscarried, thanks to King Edward VII. and M. Delcasse, as Nicholas finally found out the Potsdam Machiavelli , and the result was that the Triple Entente was formed. The letters were addressed, “Dearest Nicky " and signed “Willy." The first was dated 1894, and after commiserating with Nicholas on his father’s death, says: “We both know perfectly our political ideals. I have nothing to add to our last conversation in Berlin. I shall always cultivate the old relations and mutual friendship with your house, in which I was reared by my grandfather, and seme examples of which I was glad to give your dear papa recently." The second letter, dated January, sends New Year greetings, with a Christmas gift of an album of photos, picturing the dedication of flags in Berlin. The third letter covers a wedding present of porcelain, in which the Kaiser characteristically says he has Instructed the Court Marshal to arrange on a dinner table for 50 guests before presentation, so that the Czar would be able to see coup d’oeil the whole affair. The letter goes on to detail the democratic movement* !■ various countries, and says “In England the Rosebery Ministry is toddling to its fall, amidst universal derision. In France the Ribot Cabinet is granting an amnesty to all the worst malefactors. My Reichstag is behaving as badly as It can, swinging backwards and forwards between Socialists (egged on by Jews) and ultra-montane Catholics. Both parties will soon be fit to be hung, all of them, in short. Everywhere the principle de la monarchic ’is called unon to show itself strong. That is why I was so glad .at the capital speech you made the other day to a deputation in response to some address asking for reform. The Yellow Peril. The fourth letter commends the Ambassador, Herr Radoiin, to the Czar. The Kaiser took the opportunity to outline his world policy, especially in reference to the Yellow Peril. He says, “I thank you sincerely for the excellent way in which you initiated combined action by Europe against Japan. It is high time energetic steps were taken. I shall certainly do all in my power to keep Europe quiet, and will also guard the rear of Russia, so that nobody can hamper ■ your action toward the Far East. -It is clearly Russia’s great task to cultivate the Asian Continent, and to defen'd Europe from the.inroads of a great Yellow race. In this you will always find me on your side, ready to help as best I can. You have well understood that call of Providence. I hope that just as I will gladly help you to settle the question of eventual annexations of portions of territory for Russia you will kindly see that Germany may also be able to acquire a port somewhere where it does not embarass you. I am afraid that as the Norwegians are in a state bordering on insanity I shall not be able to make a' summer cruise there."

The last letter in the scries, dated 10th July, 1895, was written during a cruse, and showed that the Kaiser had* a conversation with the .Grand Duke Alexis, the Czar’s uncle. “I was glad to show him,” says the Kaiser, “how our interests are .entwined in the Far East, and that;my ships were in order to second yours when things looked doubtful.’ 1 The letter goes on to complain that the officers of the Russian ships invited to the opening of the Kiel Canal took photos of the fort batteries. “I think it not quite fair to abuse hospitality and try to spy on your friend.” The letter concludes: “Good-bye, dearest Nicky, with wishes for a. quiet summer and a nice little boy to come. —Ever your affectionate friend and Cousin Willy.”