KAISER AND CZAR

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14259, 9 January 1920, Page 5

KAISER AND CZAR

PUTTING PRESSURE ON TURKEY. ' GREAT INTEREST IN CHINA. FEARS OP THE JAPANESE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) " Received January 9, 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Jan. 7. ■ In November, 1903, the ex-Kaiser discloses to Nicky the result of bis instructions to the German Ambassador in Constantinople to energetically lecture the Sultan, and inform that ruler that it was high time for him to conform to Murzteg the programme which was drawn up by the RussoAustrian Ministers lo secure reform in Macedonia. The Ambassador, after one and three-quarter hours’ conversation, found the Sultan very tough, and decidedly of the opinion that a refusal to comply with the Murzteg programme, even though backed by me would not bring great-harm to him. The Kaiser adds: “The Ambassador had to use such power of expression as was feasible towards the monarch to bring the gravity of the situation home, and left him a sadder but wiser man. Another interesting piece of information has been received by me from Sofia, whe're the Prime Minister of the arch-plotter (Kaiser’s delicate reference to Ferdinand) expressed the country’s extreme dissatisfaction with the Murtzeg programme. They must get more, and as we are unlikely to grant more, Bulgaria has turned to Italy, England and France, where alone hope for Bulgaria’s future in Macedonia lay. This shows you again what I personally hinted at. The Crimea combination is forming and working against Russian interests in democratic countries, which arc against Imperial monarchies.”

The Eastern Question. In December, 1903, the Kaiser informed Nicky that he had sent General Woewenfeld to London to give the Long Service Cross to “Uncle Arthur," and at the same time to reconnoitre the frame of mind and flow of public opinion about the Eastern question. “His mother is English, so he speaks the language well. What he saw and heard I shall let you know. My officers commanding in China have been for a long time ordered to closely survey the intercourse between the Japs and Chinese military, and the growing of influence of Japan with the Chinese army. Two days ago I got a report that the Japs were clandestinely arming the Chinese behind your and my back against me.” The Kaiser continues: “They (meaning the Japanese) have concluded a secret engagement to supply the Chinese army with rifles, guns, and munitions. The Chinese are drilling day and night onder Japanese instruction officers —a nice business. They are sure to rouse Chinese hopes and inflame hatred against the white' race in general, and constitute a grave danger to your rear in case you have to face Japan in the adventure on the seashore.” The Kaiser begs pardon for the liberty taken, and hopes the Admiral of the Pacific will not be angry with the signals of the “Admiral of the « Atlantic,” who is always on the lookout.

Distrust of Denmark

In a New Year’s letter in 1904 the Kaiser piously hopes that the Czar’s plans will neet with full success — “if in peaceful ways, softly as a rippling brook; if by decision of arms, may they be victorious, and your standards wave enwrealhed in fresh laurels.” In the same letter, he touches upon the general question of Danish neutrality, the Kaiser having in mind the bygone days of 1864, and feeling “that the Danes look askance at us,” sugthat the Czar Should write to his grandfather and submit his proposals to Germany when formulated. The Kaiser also sends English newspaper cuttings commenting oh the German navy and the Russian commercial fleet. “There on the Continent, hypocrisy and hatred are shown. It is" utterly odious and incomprehensible. Everyone here understands that Russia is following the law of expansion, and must seek a sea free from ice for the outlet of her commerce.” The Eastern Dardanelles.

Wilhelm goes on to make a suggestion that the Hinterland and Port Arthur must be “in your power. There is a tongue of land which in our adversary’s hands may become a new sort of Dardanelles, which is impossible for you to allow. These Dardanelles of Korea must not threaten your communications. Korea must and will be Russian.” On the ev e of the Japanese war the Kaiser writes: “A line to tell you how my thoughts are with you at this serious time. May God grant that.the Japanese will listen to reason, notwithstanding the frantic efforts of the vile press of a certain country that seems to have money left to sink in the Japanese mobilisation abyss. 1 send you a copy of the Marine Rundschau, with an article about ironclad cruisers, written by ‘L.’ This ‘L’ is a mask under which I hide myself, for I wrote it; but nobody has blessed the notion except Tirpitz.”