WAR NOTES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 81, 4 December 1914, Page 3

WAR NOTES.

BETHMAN HOLLWEG ON THE WAR

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? MORE BRAY AND BOMBAST AND

DUPLICITY,.

Rec. 8.30 a.m.) LONDON. Dec. 3

Herr Bethmau Hollweg says it is evident who is responsible for the greatest of all wars. It is apaprent that the responsibility rested with those Russians who ordered the mobilisation of their army; but the real responsibility fell on the British Government, who could have made war impossible had they without ambuguity declared in Petrograd that Britain would not allow a condition of continual war to develop from the Austro-Serviana. conflict. Such a declaration would have obliged France to restrain Russia. Then Germany might have successfully mediated between Petrograd and Vienna. Britain was aware of the bellicose machinations, partly by the irresponsible. but powerful group round the Czar. She saw how the ball was rolling and •should havs' i'ii.e'rpiised no obstacle In its path tut despite all its of; peach Tendon informed Pet.mg rad that Britain was on France's side, and consequently on Russia’s. Turkey.had < {joined-''-: Germany and thereby shattered the- foundations of ■■England 'a'colonial powoid Britain permitted this monstrous world-wide war, hoping that war ententes would help to destroy the vitality of England’s greatest European competitor in. the world’s markets. Therefore, England and Russia, before God and men, were responsible for the catastrophe.

Belgian neutrality, which England pretended to defend, is nothing but a disguise. On August 2nd Germany informed Belgium that self-defence and France’s war plans compelled us to march through Belgium . Earlier the same day the British Government promised unconditional assistance if the German fleet attacked the French coast. Nothing was said about Belgian neutrality. How could England maintain that she drew the sword because Germany violated neutrality? Herr Bethmana Hollweg claimed the credit for endeavouring to improve Anglo-German relations concerning Africa and Asia Minor, but Britain’s first principle was that Germany’s free development of strengtth must be checked by a balance of ppwer. Germany warned Britain last duly of the danger of her secret negotiations with Russia concerning the naval convention. Germany’s military and financial strength already stood the test of her heroism. ‘‘They may call-us Huns and barbarians, but v. c must and will be victorious. ’ ’