SECRET LETTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1920, Page 5

SECRET LETTERS.

EX-KAISER TO THE CZAR. FURTHER REVELATIONS. By Teleiraph.—-Press Assn.—Copyrltr'nt. ' London, Jan. 13. The Kaiser, continuing his "sketch" in his November, 1905, letter to the Czar, says:— "Russia is in the act of turning over a new leaf in its history, and bliows a tendency towards modernisation. Such a process in a mighty nation like yours is bound to command widespread interest in Europe, and above all in the neighboring country. There is a feeling that greater liberty has been allowed the press too soon. Hence the flood of un-heard-of articles, some moat insolent and calculated to diminish respect for an autocratic ruler. The revolutionary party has seized the opportunity to create a ferment among the workpeople." The Kaiser goes on to suggest how the Czar should maintain his hold over his simple-minded people, and advises him to declare reforms himself instead of through his Ministers, because the people regard the latter as merely throwing dust in their eyes, a fact which tends to make the Czar unpopular, and might easily raise a storm which the dynasty might not weather. "All Europe," says the Kaiser, "seems to agree that the Czar was solely responsible for the war. Thousands of families lay the loss of their male relatives on the steps of the throne, and also hold the Czar responsible for the navy's fearful losses. Now the responsibility for war is a most serious tiling lor a ruler. I know that by what my grandfather told me, but he had a clear conscience. The people loyally . supported him, and the nation was resolved to win or die. 110 felt that Providence was on his side, and this was as good as if victory ivas already won. But the responsibility for an unpopular war is quits another thing when a nation sends its sons to the front because the Czar so wills it. And," adds the Kaiser, "this war is unpopular with all classes, Russian officers not excepted." The. Kaiser criticises ' Kuropatkin's slowness, while lie admits that most of the other generals are too old, and throws out a hint that the Czar himself might personally take over the com-mand-in-chief.

Wilhelra says the European public, as well as the Russian, is looking to the Czar to do some great personal act and show his autocratic rulership. He reminds "Nicky" that his forefathers repaired to Moscow and called upon their subjects to follow him into battle. "Such a call from the Kremlin never failed."

The Kaiser rather blames "Nicky" for not taking this step at the outbreak of war, "but the call did not come " he says, "and Moscow smarted under a slight and became openly disaffected, European observers think this appeal from the Kremlin could still be managed."

Wilhclm adds that the Czar should concede no liberty of assembly or to the press. He should act boldly and address the people, and then "the people would be deeply touched, fall on their knees and pray for you, while the sensation throughout the world would be enormous." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.