TIRPITZ'S MEMOIRS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 August 1919, Page 5

TIRPITZ'S MEMOIRS.

"DRIFTED INTO THE WAR." HATRED OF ENGLAND. By Toloßinph Press Assn Copyrlt'nt. Received August 0, 12.50 a.m. New York, August 8, Admiral von Tirpitz, in his memoirs, says he was not consulted before Germany entered the war. Germany drifted into the war through incompetency, diplomacy and weakness. The vacillating of Horr von Bethmnnn-lloll-weg lost the war for the same reasons Two things stand out in the memoivs —hatred of England and hatred of Bethman-Hollweg. Despite his hatred for England a feeling of admiration is shown when ho gives the fullest credit to (ho British sea commanders.

11l n letter to von I'ohl, he says: "The best chance to win a naval hal.tle wis within two or throe weeks after the declaration of war." He added that Germany's chances dwindled as the war progressed because of the increase in size of the British fleet.

Von Tirpita's book is partly completed, hut sales a-ve being withheld for the time being.

Tho memoirs Kay the ex-Kaisor persmmlly dictated the general policy during the war. He was responsible for the inactivity of the fleet. The 3vaiser's clKiracteristics are indecisiveness, and unwillingness to take responsibili' ties. Von Tirpitz uiade futile efforts to get the Kaiser to permit the fleet to-go and do something. The submarine warfare was decided upon by von Pohl, Chief at the Admiralty and Hethman-Hollwcg without consulting von Tirpitz. Documentary proof is offered by von Tirpitz for the. purpose of showing he was opposed to beginning the U-boat warfare. He also opposed the manner of proclaiming tho plan.

Von Tirpitz explains he wns ambitious to tnko command of Dip ftennnit fleet and go and jncet the British.— Aus.-N.Z, (.'able Assn.