EX-KAISER’S TRUISMS

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14266, 17 January 1920, Page 5

EX-KAISER’S TRUISMS

THE DANGERS OF DEFEAT. BLOOD OF USELESS SACRIFICES, i RESPONSIBILITY OF RULERS. „ (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received January 17, 9.10 a.m, LONDON, January 14. Wilhelm, writing on June 3rd, 1915. definitely counselled the Czar to throw iup the sponge. He sympathised with him over Admiral Royistvensky’s illstarred effort at Tsushima, sayiiig, “From a purely military and strategical viewpoint this defeat ends the chance for a turn of the scales in your favour. The Japanese arc now free to pour reserves into Mamhuria for the siege of Vladlvostock. As I previously told you, the war i& unpopular. Is it compatible with the responsibility of a ruler to continue to force the whole nation to send its sons to be killed by hecatombs only for' iris sake or for his conception of national honour? Will not the time come when, the blood of uselessly sacrificed thousands will be laid at the ruler’s door, and will he not he called upon; by Him who is the rear Master- of ail kings and men to answer before those whom the Greater entrusted to him? National honour is a good thing in itself, hut only when a nation is determined to uphold it. But when a nation shows that it has had enough is it not reasonable that the ruler should conclude.peace rather than risk creating a feeling- in the country which might eventually force him. to adopt their views. Of course, there is the army to be considered, but if really convinced it will be able to turn the scale. This is a question you alone are able to answer. Peace negotiations would be hailed with' joy by all your subjects after the tribute of blood already given to the Emperor. “English Impertinences.”

As some consolation the Kaiser reminds Kicky that Napoleon and Frederick the Great also suffered defeat, and goes on: “Forgive the length of this letter, but as a friend and colleague I feel bound to tell you what 1 think true and right. If I can be of the smallest use in the preparatory steps for peace, pray dispose of me at your leisure. I may, perhaps, turn your attention to the fact that the Japanese have the highest regard, for America before all other nations, because IThis mighty power, ; with its tremendous fleet, is next them. If anyone in the world is able to influence the Japanese and induce them to- be responsible in their proposal, it is Roosevelt. Should it meet your approval I could easily place myself in support with him.” In July, 1906,, 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 even that Japan might feel inclined to join. This would cool down the English self-assertion and impertinences, as she is her ally too. The moment the new government knows the smaller nations will be attracted to this new great centre of gravity, they will r,evolve in the orbit of Russia, Germany, France, Austria and Italy. This quintiple alliance will hold all unruly neighbours in order, and impose peace even by force if there is any power hair-braiued enough to disturb it.”

Lesson to the French.

Wilhelm advises the Czar to build at once, and not to forget private German firms besides the French in allotting contracts, “because they would work as for their own country whereas other powers would make iise of your engineers’ secrets.” The exchange of visits between the French and British fleets at Brest and Portsmouth caused the Kaiser to remark, “I think it is really cool for an ally to let her arnie et allie drop like that. It would do the French a world of good if you should draw the reins a little tighter.” Wilhelm adds, “The ten milliard francs which the French have placed in Russia should hinder them from quite falling off, but we see the point to which the English flatterers have already brought the French. France- .must remember that she is wedded to you, and is obliged to lie in bed with you eventually, and give a hug or kiss now and then to me, but not to sneak into my bedroom.” The Kaiser urges the Czar to promulgate immediately ,a bill creating a representative assembly for Russia.