== Contradiction? == 

 On the threat of war in 1914, he was quoted as telling his officers: 'They are completely mad. A war between Europeans is a civil war. This is the most monumental foolishness that they have ever done.' But then: 'Like many professional soldiers, he disliked the Third Republic, and welcomed the outbreak of war “because the politicians have shut up".' 

 Did he have a change of heart?