KAISER’S LETTERS

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1920, Page 2

KAISER’S LETTERS

<By Electric Telegraph—Cop,, igi.i..; LONDON, January 7. Writing in January, 1902, the Kaiser advises “Nicky” of the rapid expansion of his navy. The Wittelsbaoh class (eleven thousand ton barbette ships), ’is he states on the eve of completion which will enable Prince Henry-of Prussia to possess a homogeneous fleet of “peace makers.”

A reference to the lleval Russian naval manoeuvres and to the balance of power in Europe and in the world follows here and the letter continues—- “ This is more necessary ad certain, symptoms in the East show that Japan is becoming a restless customer. The situation necessitates coolness and decision of peace powers. The news of the attachment of the Japanese general (General Yamai), to reorganise the Chinese army for . the unavowed, object of driving every foreigner from China is very serious. Twenty or thirty million trained Chinese, .led by a fine undaunted Christian hating Jap. officer is to be contemplated, not without anxiety, and is pot impossible. In fact it is coming to the reality of the Yellow peril, which I depicted some years ago, and for which engraving I was laughed at by Hie greater mass of the people.”

The Kaiser then observes that Russian warship, the “Variag” had arat K owe it in the East, concerning which he declares:—“lt is a wise 'thing for (your flag to be shown there, for it does not seem impossible that another Power was in the act of repeating the very sucessful experiment it made on the Nile, to haul down tbe Sultan’s flag, land men, and guns, hoist some flag or other under pretevf and say: ‘J’y Suis, J’y restol’ In this case it would have meant that Power’s paramount rule over the trade routes , te Persia, and even of Persia itself, and then it would be ‘Ta. ta’ to your proposed establishment pf Russian commerce !”

The behaviour of this foreign power at Koweit shows the enormour advantage of an overwheljning fleet in ruling approaches from the sea. to places devoid of land communication, and which we cannot approach, because our fleets are too weak, leaving our transports at the ITicrcy of the enemy. This shows bow necessary is the Bagdad railway, which I intend German capital to (build. If that excellent Sultan had not been dawdling for years with the question, the line might have been be. gun years ago, and would by now have offered you an opportunity of despatching a few regiments from Odessa to Koweit and thus turned the tables on that other Power by giving command of the lines ashore.”

The Kaiser sent a gift of a book* about the South African war, by an Englishman, who condemned the war, and also condemned file ends for which that war was begun by Rritain. r Phe Kaiser adds:—“Tin's author maintains an impartiality which is a gratifying ex r ception to the rule that is now prevailing in England. The bearer of the gift is Captain von Usedom, who commanded the. gun-boat “Herts, ’’ during the Chinese Boxer affair.” The Kaiser adds:—“lt was Captain Usedom who was the saviour of the Seymour Expedition, and who brought it- safe hack to Tientsin, and to him was given the now historical order of which my bluejackets are so proud.” That order was:—“Germans to the front!” when Britain sailors refused to go further.

In a further letter the Kaiser remarks : —“Prince Henry of Prussia's projected visit to- America, t° our great amusement, sgojiis to create a toothache in England.”

MORE LETTERS. LONDON, Jan 8. In a letter signed “Admiral of the Atlantic,” the Kaiser refers eulogistically to what lie had seen of the real naval manoeuvres and stresses the complete trust between the two monarchies. An instance whereof, is shown in the sending “Nicky” secret plans of his newest ships. Wilhelm says—We both, have the same interest in the development of our navies. A passion for the sea is born in us. That suffices to show we [regard the two navies as one great organisation, belonging to one great continent, whose interests it will safeguard on; its shores and in distant seas. This means practically the peace of the worlj. We lipid thp balance in Europe and tile world. 1

In a letter written in January 1903, the Kaiser signed liimself “Billy number one’ ’ and explains that these letters will be presented by my boy. My sister generally calls him ‘Billy number one,* qr “little Willy” to discern him frppx his father. I plade him under your kind protection and hope you will he satisfied wifli Ins manners. He is still very young, so should he make any hJupdciSj kindly overlook them.”

! (Received this day at 9.25 a ./a.' KGNDQN, Jan, 7, The Kaiser continues —“They (meaning the Japanese) have concluded a secret agreement to supply the Chinese Army with rifles, guns and munitions. The Chinese are drilling day and 1 night under Jap instruction officers. A nice business. They are sure to rouse the Chinese hopes and inflame hatred against the white race in general, and constitute a grave danger to your rear, in case you have to face a Jap adventure on the seashore.” - The Kaiser begs pardon for the liberty taken and hopes the Admiral of the Pacific will not be angry with the signals of the Admiral of the Atlantic, who is always on the look-out.

In a New Year’s letter, 1905, the Kaiser .piously hopes the Czar’s plans will meet with full success.” If in peaceful ways, softly as a rippling brook; if by the decision of arms, may they he victorious and your standards wave enwreathed with fresh laurels. In the same letter lie touches upon the general question of British neutrality, the Kaiser having in mind the bygone days of 1864, ami feeling “that the Danes look askance at us.” It was suggested that the Czar should write to his grand-father and submit proposals to Germany when formulated. The Kaiser also sends English newspaper cuttings commenting on the German navfc- and the Russian commercial fleet. “To us here on the continent, the hypocrisy and hatred, shown is utterly odious and uncomprehensible. Everybody Ifcre understands that Russia is following the law of expansion and must seek a sea free from ice for an outlet for commerce.” Wilhelm goes onl to make j a suggestion that the Hinterland and ( Port Arthur must be in your power, j There is a tongue of land which in an adversary’s hand may become a new sort of Dardanelles which it is impossible for you to allow. These Dardanelles of Koriea must not threaten your communications. Korea must and will bd Russian. I

On the eve of the Japanese war the Kaiser writes: —“A line to tell you how my thoughts are with you at this serious time. May God grant that the Japs will listen to reason, not withstand ing the frantic efforts of a vile press of a certain country that seems to have money ready to sink in the Japanese mobilisation abyss. I send you a copy of the Marine Rundschali with articles about the ironclad cruisers written by “L.” This “L.” is the mask under which I hide myself, for I wrote it; but nobody has a blessed notion except Von Tirpitiz.”

MORE DISCLOSURES

(Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 7. In November 1903 the Kaiser disclosed to “Nicky” the result of his instructions to the German Ambassador iri Constantinople to energetically lecture the Sultan and inform that ruler it was high time for him to conform to the Murzteg programme, which was drawn up by ltusso-Austrian ministers to secure reforms in Macedonia. The Ambassador, after 11 hours conversation, found the Sultan very tough and decidedly of the opinion that a refusal to comply with the Murzteg programme "even though backed by me, would not bring great harm to him. The Kaiser adds —The Ambassador had to use such power of expression as. was feasible towards the Monarch, to bring the gravity of the situation home, and left him a sadder and wiser man. Another interesting piece of information has reached me from Sofia, where the Prime Minister of the arch-plotters, (the Kaiser’s delicate reference to King Ferdinand), expressed the country’s extreme dissatisfaction with the Murzteg programme. They must get more and as Imperial Powers are unlikely to grant more, 'Bulgaria turned to Italy, England and France, where alone hope for Bulgaria’s future in Macedonia lay. This shows you again what I personally hinted at. The Crimea combination is

.forming and working against Russian t interests, and in tlie East, democratic fc, countries are available against the Imperial monarchies.” _ln Dec. 1903, the Kaiser informed “Nicky” he had sent General Hoewnfald -to London to give a Long Service Cross to “Uncle Arthur” and at the same time to reconnoitre the frame of mind and flow of public opinion about the Eastern Question.” His mother is Eng lisli so he speaks the language well. What lie saw am] heard I shall let you kpow. My officers compianiiing in China have been for a long time ordered closely to survey the intercourse between the Japs and Chinese military nnd the growing influence of Japan with tho Chinese Army. Two days ago I got a report that Japanese were clandestinely arming the Chinese behind your and my backs, against us. ”