RESPONSIBILITY OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14265, 16 January 1920, Page 5

RESPONSIBILITY OF WAR

THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE. KAISER’S ADVICE TO THE CZAR. . HOW TO FOOL THE PEOPLE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received January 16, 9.50 a.m. LONDON, Jan. 13. The Kaiser, continuing his “sketch" in November, 1905, in a letter to tin? Czar, says: "Russia is in the act. of turning a new leaf in its history, shows a tendency towards modernist lion. Such a process in a mighty nation like yours is bound to command widespread interest in Europe, and, above all, in the neighbouring country. There is a feeling that greater liberty has been allowed the press too soon, hence the Hood of unheard-of articles, some most insolent, calculated to diminish respect for the autocratic ruler. The revolutionary party has seized the opportunity to create a ferment among the workpeople.”

The Kaiser goes on to suggest how the Czar should maintain his hold over the simple-minded people, and advises him. to declare reforms himself, instead of through his Ministers, because the people regard the latter as merely throwing dust in their eyes, a fact which tends to make the Czar unpopular, and might easily raise a storm which the dynasty might not weather.

“AH Europe,” says the Kaiser, “seems to agree that the Czar is solely responsible for the war, and thousands of families lay the loss of their male relatives on the steps of the throne, and also hold the Czar responsible for the navy’s fearful losses. The responsibility for war is a most serious thing for a ruler. I know that by what my grandfather told me, but he had a clear conscience. The people loyally supported him, and the nation was resolved to win or die. He felt that Providence was on his side, and this was as good as if victory was already won. but the responsibility for an unpopular war is quite another thing when the nation sends her sons to the front because the Czar so wills it, and,” adds the Kaiser, ‘This war is unpopular with all classes, the Russian officers not excepted.”

The Kaiser criticises General Kuropatkin’s slowness, while he admits that most of the other generals arc too old. and throws out a hint that the Czar <,

himself might personally take over the Command in Chief.

Wilhelm says: “The European public, as well as the Russian, is looking to the Czar to do some great personal act to show his autocratic ruiership.” Ho reminds Nicky that one of his forefathers repaired to Moscow and called upon their subjects to follow him into battle. “Such a call from the Kremlin never failed.” The Kaiser rather blames Nicky for not taking this step at the outbreak, of the war. “But the call did not come,” he says, “and Moscow smarted under the slight and became openly disaffected. European observers think that this appeal from Kremlin could still be managed.” Wilhelm adds that the Czar should concede no liberty of assembly or press. He should act boldly, address the people, and then "the people would be deeply touched, fall on their, knees and pray for you, while the sensation' throughout the world would be enormous.”