WHO BEGAN THE WAR?

Taihape Daily Times, 5 March 1918, Page 3

WHO BEGAN THE WAR?

SENSATIONAL DISCLOSURES. PARIS, March 2. In connection with -the Lorraine celebrations at Sorbonne, an imposing ceremony was held. M. Pichon, on behalf of the Government, said Count Von Hertling was pretending that the annexation of Al-sace-Lorraine was carried otit in order to re-occupy German territory which France had usurped. The ex-Empress Eugenie, however, had just given the National Archives a letter from William I, dated October 26th, 1870, saying: Germany insists on territorial concessions for no other reason except to make sure that the next war will find her better prepared to meet aggression which is certain to come directly France has regained strength and secured allies. M. Pichon also read a telegram dated July 31st, 1915, from Count von Hollweg to Von Choen, German Ambadssador in Paris. This stated that if the French Government remained neutral. Von Choen must inform them that as a guarantee of such neutrality, • We insist on France handing over the fortresses of Toni and Verdun, which we will occupy, and restore after the war.