OUR READERS' OPINIONS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXI, Issue 9846, 27 October 1924, Page 3

OUR READERS ' OPINIONS

WHO OOMMEXOED THE CHEAT \Y Ail ?

(To the Editor.) Sir, —As early in September last, the .National Party in Germany wanted it spread abroad that their nation was not answerable for the start of the war. In fact they said that tlie Allies were to blame and it is with pleasure that I hand you the following extracts from such a notable personage as Prince Karl Max Lichncwsky, who was German Ambassador to tno -Court of St. James’ (London ) fro in 1012 to 1914 (August 4tli), and the author of the book “-My London Mission,” which ascribes the outbreak of the world war to the ‘•deliberate designs of Germany.” Prince Liclinowsky has no doubt whatever that his own country was ‘‘solely” responsible for the war. Ho brings the following charges against Germany: (1) We (the German) encouraged the Austrians to attack Serbia.

(2) Between 23rd and 30th July, v, ben the Russians told us that they would not tolerate an attack on Serbia, we, refused to help Britain to work for peace-, although Serbia was willing to accept almost the whole of the Note, and the Austrians were prepared to content themselves with the Serbian reply. (3) On 30th July, when the Austrians wanted to conic to terms, we ordered the Russians to demobilise, although .Austria had not been attacked, and on the Ist August we (Germany) declared war on Russia, although the- Tsar pledged himself that he would not order a man to march “wlii'c the matters in dispute were being discussed.” “We (Germany) thus deliberately destroyed, the char.ce of a peaceful settlement. No wonder,” says Prince Lic-hnowskvi “the whole of the civilised world outside Germany places the entire responsibility for the AA orlfl War upon our (Germany’s) shoulders.”

Wo (Great Britain and the Allies) knew that we were innocent of any desire to plunge the world into bloodshed, and now the German Ambassador. who had been living amongst us in London right up to the moment when we drew the sword, came forward and denounced Ills own country as the “so’o maker of the war.” Hbs tribute was a stimulation to us to fight on, no matter what might he in store, and to res’st to the death for that righteousness which alone oxalteth a r.btion. The above should certainly satisfy any Gisborne residents who might he in doubt.—l am, Yours etc.. nprvßLliT? G OWL AND, Pehiri. October 20.