REMARKABLE LETTERS FROM THE KAISER TO THE TSAR

New Zealand Tablet, 1 October 1914, Page 23

REMARKABLE LETTERS FROM THE KAISER TO THE TSAR

THE EMPERORS DISCUSS WHETHER AUSTRIA HAS ENTERED ON A MEAN WAR.'

■ r . Some remarkable letters which passed between the Kaiser and the Tsar before they declared ■wax* on each other have been officially published in Berlin. They were sent to the Daily Sews by Mr. Charles Tower, their correspondent. They run thus;

You Will Agree With Me.’

The first telegram is quoted as follows:

The Kaiser to the Tsar, July 28:

‘ I have learnt with the greatest concern of the impression which Austria-Hungary’s action against Servia has ipade in your empire. The unscrupulous agitation which has been fostered in Servia for years has led to the detestable crime of which the Archduke Ferdinand was the victim. The spirit in which the Servians murdered their own King and Queen is still alive in that country. You will no doubt agree with me that we, too, you and I, as well as all -Sovereigns, have a common interest in insisting that all those who are morally responsible for the horrible crime should receive the punishment they deserve. '

On the other hand, I by no means ignore the difficulty which you and your Government meet in resisting the pressure of public opinion. Remembering the strong ties of cordial friendship which have for so long united us I am using all my influence to induce Austria-Hungary to seek a frank and satisfactory understanding with Russia. I confidently hope that you will support my efforts to remove all the difficulties that may yet arise. ■

4 Your very sincere and devoted friend and cousin,

4 Wiam.

Tsar Says ' A Mean War.’

To this the Tsar replied on July 29;

4 I am glad that you are back in Germany at this grave moment. I urgently ask you to assist me. A mean war has been declared upon a weak country. The indignation, which I share to the full, is in Russia enormous.

4 I can foresee that I shall soon be unable to resist the pressure which is being brought upon me, and shall be compelled to take measures which will lead to war. In order" to avert a calamity such as a European war would be, I ask you in the name of our old friendship to do everything possible to prevent your ally from proceeding too far. ‘(Signed) Nicholas.’

Kaiser Says Not a Mean War.’

On July 29 the Kaiser again telegraphed:

‘ I have received your telegram, and share your desire for the maintenance of peace. At the same time, as I told you in my first telegram, I cannot regard Austria-Hungary’s action as a “mean” war. AustriaHungary knows from experience that Servia’s promises, so long as they remain only on paper, cannot altogether be relied upon. In my view, Austria-Hungary’s action ought to be considered as an attempt to obtain a full guarantee that Servia’s promises would also be translated into action. In this view I am confirmed by the declaration of the Austrian Cabinet that Austria-Hun-gary is seeking no territorial conquest at the expense of Servia. I therefore think that it is perfectly possible for Russia to maintain the attitude of a spectator in face of the Austro-Servian war without dragging Europe into the most terrible war she has ever experienced. An Understanding 'Possible. - ‘ I believe that a, direct understanding between your Government' and Vienna is possible and desirable an understanding which j as I have already telegraphed you, my Government is trying to encourage with all the means at its disposal. ; •

' . ‘ Naturally, ■ military '■ measures on the part of Russia which. Austria-Hungary could regard as a menace would precipitate the disaster which we had the wish to avoid, and would also undermine my position as an intermediary, which I, in reply to your appeal to my frienasnip and assistance, have readily assumed.

s '- ‘ (Signed) William."’ The last two letters are thus given by the Daily Chronicle.:

‘I Thank Thee.’ (From Tsar to Kaiser.)

* I thank thee from my heart for thy mediation, which leaves a gleam of hope. . , . . It is technically impossible to discontinue our military operations. . . . So long as the negotiations with Austria regarding Servia continue my troops will not undertake any provocative action. I give thee my word upon it. I trust with all my strength in God’s grace, and I hope for the success of thy mediation.—Thy most devoted ‘.Nicholas.’ •

The Kaiser’s Limit. (From Kaiser to Tsar.)

* My efforts to maintain the peace of the world have reached their limit. It will not be I who am responsible for the calamity which threatens the whole civilised world. Even at this moment it lies in thy power to avert it. Nobody threatens the honor and power of Russia which could well have waited for the result of my mediation. The friendship which I inherited from my grandfather on his deathbed for thee and thy kingdom has always been holy to me. I have remained true to Russia. The peace of Europe can still be maintained by thee if Russia decides to cease her military measures which threaten Germany and Austria-Hungary.’

TSAR’S MANIFESTO TO HIS PEOPLE.

The Tsar on Sunday, August 2, published this manifesto to his people:

‘ By the grace of God, we, Nicholas 11., Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Finland, etc., etc., to all our faithful subjects make known that Russia, related by faith and blood to the Slav peoples and faithful to her historical traditions, has never regarded their fates with indifference. The fraternal sentiments of the Russian people for the Slavs has been awakened .with perfect unanimity and extraordinary force these last few days, when AustriaHungary knowingly addressed to Servia claims inacceptable for an independent State.

1 Having paid no attention to the pacific and conciliatory reply of the Servian Government, and having rejected the benevolent .intervention of Russia, Austria made haste to proceed to an armed attack and began to bombard Belgrade, an open place. Forced by the situation thus created to take the necessary measures of precaution, we ordered the Army and Navy to be put on a war footing, while using every endeavour to obtain a peaceful solution of the pour-pa rlers begun, for the blood and property of our .subjects are dear to us.

‘ Amid friendly relations with Germany and her ally Austria, contrary to our hopes in our good neighborly relations of long date and disregarding our assurances that the measures taken were in pursuance of no object hostile to her, Germany began to demand their immediate cessation. Having been' rebuffed -in this demand, she suddenly declared war on Russia. To-day it is not only the protection of the country related to us and unjustly attacked that must be carried out, but we must also ,safeguard the honor, dignity, and integrity of Russia and her position among,the Great Powers.