THE KAISER MINID

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1920, Page 4

THE KAISER MINID

REVELATIONS IN LETTERS. LONDON, Jan. 3. Further particulars of the Kaiser’s letters secured by the “Morning Post” for publication show that they include seventy-five of the ex-Kaiser’s letters, written in English in his own handwriting. These were found among the Czar’s private effects after his murder at Ekaterinburg.

The first batch, which is summarised here-with, commences on the death of Alexander 111. The ex-Kaiser had seen Nicholas II when ho was Czarevitch, during his visit to Berlin in January, 1893, and at Coburg in 1894. RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA.

The ex-Kaiser had evidently taken to heart his grandfather’s death-bed advice to keep on good terms with Russia. His object, as revealed by the letters, was to embroil Russia with Japan, and later to play off Russia against England and France. When this policy matured, the ex-Kaiser expected that, with the assistance of liis huge Army and Navy, he would have England and even the world at Germany’s mercy. ,

Fortunately this scheme miscarried, thanks to King Edward VII. and M. Delcasse, as Nicholas II finally found out the Potsdam Machiavelli, and the result was that the Triple Entente was formed.

The letters were addressed ‘‘Dearest Nicky,” signed “Willy.” The first was dated October, 1894, and after commiserating with Nicholas II on his father’s death says: “We both know perfectly our political ideals. I have nothing to add to our last conversation in Berlin. I shall always cultivate the old relations of mutual friendship with your Houses ,in which I was reared by my grandfather, and some examples of which I was glad to give your dear papa recently. ” , The second letter dated January 1895 sends New Year’s greetings with a Christmas gift of an album of photographs picturing the dedication of flags in Berlin. THE ARROGANT HOHENZOLLERN The third letter covers a wedding present of porcelain, which the ex-Kaiser characteristically says, he has instructed his) Court Marshal to arrange on a dinner table for fifty guests before presentation, so that the Czar will be able to see the whole affair at a glance. This letter goes on to detail the Democratic movements in various countries and says: “In England the Roseberry Ministry is toddling to its fall amidst universal derision. In France the Ribot Cabinet is granting an amnesty to all tlie worst malefactors. My Reichstag is behaving as badly as it can, swinging backwards and forwards between the Socialists (egged on by the jews), and the ultramontane Catholics. Both parties will son be fit to be hung—all of them, in short. Everywhere the principle De La Monarchie is called upon to show itself strong. That is why I was so glad at the capital speech you made the other day to a deputation in response to some address asking for reform.”

THE FAR EAST. The fourth letter commends the German Ambassador ,Count Radolin to the Czar. The Kaiser took this opportunity to outline his world policy especially in reference to the Yellow Peril. Ho says:—“l thank you sincerely for the excellent way in which you initiated tlito combined action of Europo against Japan. It is high time that energetic stops were taken. I shall certainly do alt in my power to keep Europe quiet, and will also guard the rear of Russia, so that nobody can hamper your action towards the Far East. It is clearly Russia’s great task to cultivate the Asain Continent, and to defend Europe from the inroads of the great yellow race. In this you will always find me on your side, ready to help as best I can. Your have well understood that call of Providence. I hope that, just as I will gladly help you to settle the questions of the eventual annexation of portions of territory for Russia, you will kindly see that Germany may also bo able to acquire a port somewhere, where it does not embarass you. I am afraid that as the Norwegians are in a state bordering on insanity, I shall not be able to make any summer cruise there. The last letter in the series, dated July 10th ,1895, was written during a cruise, and tells that the ex-Kaiser had had' a conversation with the Grand Duke Alexis ,the Czar’s uncle. “I was glad to show him,” says the ex-Kaiser, “how our interests are entwined in the Far East, and that my ships were under orders to second yours when things looked doubtful.” > . The letter goes on to complain that officers of the Russian ships invited to the opening of the Kiel Canal took photographs of the forts and batteries. “I think it was not quite fair to abuse our hospitality and try to spy on your friends.” The letter concludes. “Goodbye, Dearest Nicky, with wishes for a quiet summer and a nioe little boy to come. Ever your affectionate friend and cousin, Willy.”