Part 6 (2/2)
I have been unable to find in any book, pamphlet, or collection of papers a trace of the Kaiser's answer. Probably he did not send one.
On the second point I propose to quote only the three definite proposals which were before the German Government on July 31, 1914.
Sir Edward Grey, the British Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had been trying with the cordial help of the Russian Foreign Minister, Sazonof, and the President of the Council of France, M. Viviani, to formulate a plan of averting general hostilities which would meet the approval of Germany.
(1) On July 29 Sir E. Grey had an official conversation with the German Amba.s.sador in London and laid before him a proposal in regard to the halting of military measures, described in the following words:
”It was of course too late for all military operations against Servia to be suspended. In a short time, I supposed, the Austrian forces would be in Belgrade, and in occupation of some Servian territory. But even then it might be possible to bring some mediation into existence if Austria, while saying that she must hold the occupied territory until she had complete satisfaction from Servia, stated that she would not advance further, pending an effort of the Powers to mediate between her and Russia.” (Off. Dip. Doc., p. 307.) This proposal was telegraphed to Berlin on the same day, and from there to Vienna. So far as I know no answer to it has ever been received, though King George V warmly supported the proposal in a personal telegram (July 30) to Prince Henry of Prussia, and begged him to urge it upon the Kaiser.
(2) On July 30 Sazonof in the name of the Czar presented to the German Amba.s.sador at Petrograd, and telegraphed for delivery to the Foreign Offices at Berlin and Vienna, the following proposal:
”If Austria, recognizing that the Austro-Servian question has a.s.sumed the character of a question of European interest, declares herself ready to eliminate from her ultimatum points which violate the sovereign rights of Servia, Russia undertakes to stop her military preparations.”
(Off. Dip. Doc., p. 341.)
The German Foreign Minister von Jagow, without waiting to consult Vienna, replied ”that he considered it impossible for Austria to accept the proposal.” (Ibid., p. 342.) Austria said nothing at all!
(3) On July 31 practically the same proposal, modified on the suggestion of Sir E. Grey and M. Viviani, was renewed by Russia. As presented to Berlin and Vienna it read as follows:
”If Austria consents to stay the march of her troops on Servian territory; and if, recognizing that the Austro-Servian conflict has a.s.sumed the character of a question of European interest, she admits that the Great Powers may examine the satisfaction which Servia can accord to the Austro-Hungarian Government without injury to her rights as a sovereign State or her independence, Russia undertakes to maintain her expectant att.i.tude.” (Off. Dip. Doc., p. 370.)
No answer from Austria, who had ordered a general mobilization at one o'clock in the morning of that day!
No answer from Germany, except the prompt proclamation of Kriegsgefahr, and the declaration of war on Russia on August 1!
Thus three successive opportunities of putting a stop to further military preparations of Russia on the simple condition that Austria would go no further, but be content with what she already had occupied as a guarantee for reparation from Servia--three golden occasions of preserving the peace of Europe--were brushed aside by Germany practically without consideration.
Yet the marvellous people at Potsdam go on saying that it was the Russian military preparation that brought this war down on the world!--that Germany always wanted peace, and worked for it!
Why then did she not accept the proffered chance of staying the progress of Russian preparations when it lay within her power to do so by lifting a finger?
Because she did not wish the chance. Because she wished Austria to go on with the subjugation of Servia. Because she wished Russia to be forced to go on with her measures to intervene for the rescue of Servia from extinction. Because she wished herself to go on with her design of putting her own incomparable military machine at work to force her will on Europe. Because she wished to have a false excuse to cover her own guilt in making the war by saying: ”Russia did it.”
The Potsdam gang forgot one thing. Most liars forget something.
They forgot that by refusing the opportunity for peaceful settlement which would have removed their excuse for making war, they would furnish the proof that their excuse was false.
Chapter V
A DIALOGUE ON PEACE BETWEEN A HOUSEHOLDER AND A BURGLAR
The house was badly wrecked by the struggle which had raged through it.
The walls were marred, the windows and mirrors shattered, the pictures ruined, the furniture smashed into kindling-wood.
Worst of all, the faithful servants and some of the children were lying in dark corners, dead or grievously wounded.
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