New Britain herald., 1914-08-21


 passed between Car Nicholas and the Kaiser before the declarations of wssf have been published in Berlin and sent to the London Daily Times They show the irreconcilable differences of opinion which set at variance all pos- abilities of peace. These letters fol- low:
 Kaiser to CZaf.
 The Kaiser to the Czar, July 28:
 ''I have learned with the greateA concern of the impression which Aus tria- -Hungary's action against Serv.a has made in your empire. The un- scrupulous agitation which had been fostered in Servia for years has led to the detestable crime of which the Archduke Ferdinand was the victim. The spirit in which the Servians mur- dered their own king and queen is still alive in that country. You win no doubt agree with me that we too, you and I, as we'll as all sovereigns, have a common interest in insisting that all those who are morally re- sponsible for the horrible crime should receive the punishment they deserve.
 "On the other hand, by no means ignore the difficulty which you and your government meet in resisting the pressure of public opinion. Remem- bering the strong ties of cordial friendship which have for so long united us I am using all my influence to induce Austria Hungary to seek a frank and satisfactory understanding with Russia. I confidently hope that you will support my efforts to remove al hnt .sn
 Your very sincere and devoted friend and cousin. William"
 Car Calls It "A Mean War;
 To this the Czar replied on July 29s
 T am glad that you are back in Germany at this grave moment urgently ask you to assist me. A mean war has been declared upon a weak country. The indignation, which l share to the full is in Russia enox nous.
 IT can foresee that I shall soon be unable to resist the pressure which is being brought upon me and shall be compelled to take measures which will lead to war. In order to avert a calamity such as a European war would be l ask you in the name of our old friendship to do everything, possible to prevent your ally from proceeding too far. Nicholas."S
 On July 29 the Kaiser again tele- graphed;
 T have received your telegram and share your desire for the maintenance of peace. At the same time, as I told you in my first telegram, I cannot re- gard Austria -Hungarys action as mean war. Austria Hungary knows from experience that Servia's prom ises, so long as they remain only o, paper, cannot altogether be relied upon. Tn my view, Austria Hungary's action ought to be considered as an attempt to obtain a full guarantee that Servia's promises would also be translated into action. In this view l am confirmed by the declaration of the Austrian cabinet that Austria Hungary is seeking no territorial coIls quest at the expense of Servia. I therefore think that it is perfectly possible for Russia to maintain the attitude of a spectator in face of the Austro-Servian war without dragging Europe into the most terrible war she has ever experienced.
 T believe that direct understand ing between your government aId Vienna is possible and desira ble--an understanding which, as I have all ready telegraphed you, my govern ment is trying to encourage with all the means at it's disposal.
 Naturally, military measures on the part of Russia which Austria Hungary could regard as a menace would precipitate the disaster which we had the wish to avoid and woulH also undermine my position as an intermediary, which I, in reply to your appeal to my friendship and as- sistance, have readily assumed.
 WILLIAM" The Final Letters.