DIPLOMACY OF 1912

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2556, 2 September 1915, Page 6

DIPLOMACY OF 1912

OVERTURES FOR ANGLO-GERMAN / RAPPROCHEMENT 1 BRITISH REPLY TO RECENT STATEMENTS ■ .1 By Tolsgraph-Presß Association-Copyright London, August 31. The British Foreign Office, in a statement in reply to the "Nord Deutscho Allgenieine Zoitimg's" semi-official message, with reference to: the Anglo-Ger-man diplomatic negotiations for a rapprochement in 1912, published 011 July 19 last, says that Herr von BetlnnannHollweg sketched to Lord Haldaue five clauses Jo the effect that neither party ivas prepared to make an -unprovoked attack or join in any combination against the other for tlie purpose of aggression, and that- if either became entangled in a- war in which: it could "not be said to be the aggressor, "the 'other party will at least observe benevolent neutrality, and use its utmost endeavour to localise the conflict. If either wero forced to go to war by the obvious provocation of a third party, they shall bind themselves to exchange views concerning their attitude, tliis duty of neutrality to be void if it is not reconcilable with existing agreements —the: making of now agreements rendering it impossible for either party to observe neutrality to be excluded." These conditions, although apparently fair, were really grossly one-sided. Germany, owing to would remain free to support' her friends, whilo. Britain was forbidden to raise a finger to defend hers; Sir Edward Grey; therefore rejected them, and on Marcli 14 offered a formula, which Cabinet approved, to the effect' that England would make 110 unprovoked attack on Germany. ' Finally it became obvimis that Germany's real object was to. obtain England's neutrality in all eventualities. If war broke out, Germany wonld certainly contend that it was forced upon her. An admirable example was this present war, which Germany contends was forced upon her. Italv,_ though her ally, with snecial sources-of information, docs not ~sh*aro this .view.'regarding this 'aggressive war. ( Count Metternich's instructions showed that Herr von Betlihiann-Hollweg would only ' recommend the Kaiser to give up the essence of the Navy Bill if Britain guaranteed, absolute neutrality.' The negotiations were thus concluded, the Navy Bill was proceeded with, and the hope of a mutual reduction in. armaments was ended. ■ ■', _ . , A semi-official statement in the "Nord. Deutsche Allgemeine Zoitung" detailed the,diplomatic negotiations for an AngloGerman rapprochement in • 1912, in whicli Lord Haldanc took a prominent part. The German Government desired a reciprocal treaty of neutrality. Its first .formula ran: "Should one of the contracting parties be. engaged in war, the other shall adopt at- least an attitude of benevolent neutrality and exert every effort ;to localise the war." : Britain considered that this proposal weut too far, and as a coimt-er-proposal offered: "Britain shall make no unprovoked attack upon Gerniany,, and shall refrain from an aggressive policy," adding a declaration , that ,"an attack ■ on Germany does not form the object of any treaty' nor is (it .the aim of any combination to which Britain belongs, nor will, Britain be a. party toj any such agreement." ('_,( :, ( Germany considered that these assurances already existed in the .relations between civilised States, and as a coun-ter-proposal offered tlie following formula: "Should one of the contracting parties: be involved in war, and it can.not bp said (that: that Power Ts the aggressor, 'then- the' other will observe at least'an attitude of benevolent neu.trality, and strike to localise tho conflict."—Sir Edward Grey reiterated: his offer to promise not to-participate in an unprovoked attack. '. ■ > : Germany; finally "made: furthernegotiations dependent upon Britain's assent to the. following clause: "Britain -will naturally preserve an attitude of benevolent neutrality, in the event of war beins; forced upon Germany."—Sir Edward Grey declined this formula, fearing that-this- would : endanger existing friendlv relations between Britain and. other Powers. 1