Activate Javascript or update your browser for the full Digital Library experience.
Previous Page
–
Next Page
OCR
‘VOL. I.-No. 4
Edited by
A THE FATHER-LAND . .
Fair Play for Germany and Austria-Hungary
GEORGE SYLVESTER VIERECK
FREDERICK F. SCHRADER
-‘ HE New York Times evidently relies on the length
of the German “white book" to act as a barrier
to its being read by its readers, as its editorial comments
are in absolutely diametric contrast with the matter
shown in the document. A double-leaded editorial, like
a story told in glaring headlines, is much more prone to
' le read by the busy reader than a circumstantial account
cf the diplomatic correspondence between Germany and
Russia intended to explain the causes of the war.
This correspondence bears out conclusively the im-
tression formed from the fragmentary dispatches given
ut in the early stages of the European tension, that
l ussia was secretly mobilizing her entire army and navy
V hile publicly hailing Emperor William's mediatory ef-
lorts with ardent expressionsof gratitude. It shows that
Germany was acting on Sir Edward Grey’s peace Plan.
is outlined in the German chancellor's telegram to the
‘3erman ambassador in London under date of July 27:
‘We have started the efforts toward mediation in Vienna
immediately 'in the way desired by Sir Edward Grey”;
lut two days later the chancellor was obliged to tele-
lraph the German ambassador in Paris: “Reports to us
<f French preparations for war increase from hour to
lour. Request that you talk on this matter with the
Trench government and make clear that Such measures
Would lead to precautionary measures on our part.”
Space will not permit an exhaustive review of the
lRLANn is about to go to press; but this will follow in a
later issue. The correspondence, however, clearly shows
“lat Austria gave Russia every possible assurance that
the war against Servia was purely a punitive expedi-
‘ On and could not possibly affect the interests of Russia;
that the Czar was deliberately misleading Emperor Wil-
liam about his desire for peace in order to gal“ time in
mobilizing the Russian forces both on the Austrian and
German frontiers, and that France was making similar
military preparations against Germany. 01'! Jul)’ 29
Drince Troubetzki told the German Ambassador in St.
’etersburg that he thanked God for the Kaiser's appeal
AUGUST 3131‘, 1914
lplomatic correspondence at this time when THE FATH-'
PRICE, 5 CENTS
‘ WHERE THE BLAME RESTS
German “White Book” On the Causes of the War-Explanation Clear to All Save Those Who Do Not
Want to See.
to the Czar and that it had made a deep impression on
the latter, “but since mobilization against Austria had
already been ordered, and as Sassonow had doubtless
convinced his Majesty that it was no longer possible to
recede, his Majesty the Czar unfortunately could do
nothing to alter matters." On July 31, the German
Chancellor used these words in a telegram to the Ger-
man ambassador at the Russian capital:
‘‘In spite of still pending negotiations, and though'we
ourselves have up to the present-moment taken no meas-
ure for mobilization, Russia has mobilized her entire
army and navy-in other words, mobilized against us
also.”
Through the entire succession of telegrams between
Gennany and her representatives in Paris, St. Peters-
burg and London is apparent the greatest anxiety on the
part of the German Government to make all concerned
understand that Austrian action against Servia was
purely a local expedition, under every assurance that
no territorial aggrandizement was-contemplated, that
Emperor William was doing all in his power to mediate
between Austria and Russia, but that Russia, pretending .
to welcome the Kaiser's efforts, was secretly arming
herself for the conflict, and France was doing likewise,
before Germany had taken the first step to prepare for
her own military defenses.
Would a “war lord," burning with lust for carnage
andconquest, express himself as follows: (Telegram of
Emperor William to the Czar, dated July 28):
With the greatest disquietude I hear of the impression
which Austria-Hungary’s action against Servia is making
in your empire. The unscrupulous agitation which has gone
on for years in Servia has led to the revolting crime of which
Archduke Francis Ferdinand was the victim. The spirit
which allowed the Servians to murder their own King and
his wife still rules in that land. Undoubtedly you will agree
with me that we two, you and I as well as well as. all sov-
ereigns, have a common interest in insisting that all those
morally responsible for this terrible murder shall suffer
deserved punishment.
On the other hand I by no means overlook how difficult it
is for you and your Government to resist the tide of popular
v a