SOME INNER HISTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1917, Page 3

SOME INNER HISTORY.

regarding outbreak of WAR, [AUSTRALIAN & N.Z, CABLE ASSOCIATION] I (Received This Day at 10.15. a.ui.) I NEW YORK August 5. Tho Philadelphia “Public Lodger ' has published the first instalment cn Dir. James Gerard’s book. It contained .an autographed, facsimile of the Kaiser’s Cable to Dr. Wilson on 10th. August 1914, wherein is Wellielm’s version of the origin of the w ai, and is the first publication of the cable, i The Kaiser admits tho violation of . Belgium neutrality as a strategical necessity, “Having received news that Franco is already preparing to enter Belgium and tho Belgian King having refused a petition for a free passage through Belgium under guarantee ot Belgium's freedom. The cablo also states that King George received Prince Henry and empowered France to inform the Kaiser that England would remain neutral in ease of a Fra neo-Russian and Aus-tro-German war. The German Ambassador in London cabled that Sir E. Grey stated England would not interfere, unless France was being crushed. lie also cabled on 30th. July that if tlio war wero confined to Austria nml Russia England would not move, but if Germany entered England would take grave measures. Tlie' Kaiser telegraphed the same day begging King George to personally use all his power to prevent Russia’s and France’s warlike preparation from disturbing the Kaiser’s mediation, "As J am in constant communication with the Czar.” King George replied that ho liad used every possible influence to withhold France and Russia. I then anxiously prepared a noto informing the Czar, Vienna, Berlin and London agreeing to the British proposal that Austria take Belgrade and a few other Servian towns and strip of Servia as A guarantee that Servia ■will carry "out her written promises. When informed, the Czar ordered the mobilisation of the whole Russian Army which of course meant a threat against Germany as well as Austria. I telegraphed King George—“ Will he guarantee with armed forces France’s neutrality. I will not attack France.” King George replied that ho thought the offer was based on a misunderstand ing. So far as I can make out Sir E. Grey never took my offer seriously and instead declared England must defend Belgium’s neutrality.