The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1914-08-31
SELF INTEREST LED
ENGLAND INTO WAR
SAYS KNOLLENBERG

That England's motive in entering
the war in Europe is merely selfish
one is the opinion of Bernhard Knoll
lenberg who returned Sunday from
London after interviewing several
prominent men connected with the
war department in England.
According to the statement of j. P.
Robertson, under secretary of war OF
England, it seems that England has
been preparing for this war for at
least two weeks before war was de-
clared and while England was merely
stating that her purpose in entering
the conflict was to protect the neu-
trality of Belgium. This statement
was made to Knollenberg by Secre-
tary Robertson personally.
On July 25. before war was de-
clared, Robertson said to knollen-
berg: "It is not beyond reason of pos
sibility to see all Europe in war" The
statement was considered significant
because Robertson and Knollenberg
had merely been discussing the trou-
BILE and Austria at this time.
According to Knollenberg, who
spent most of his time in England,
there are three reasons for England
attitude: First, England is afraid Ger
many will get port within striking
distance of the Isles. Second, Eng
land is afraid Germany will capture
some of her colonies; and third, Eng
land is jealous of Germany's trade
and intends to usurp it.
If it were not for Belgium's stand
Germany would now be in Paris and
the Kaiser's plan be accomplished
| which is to completely wipe out
! France so that this country will plead
| in Germany's behalf against Russia
Germany fears Russia but is in the
| positiSl to withstand the attack for
| many months on account of the forti
fications on the Vistula. In talking
with war experts in Germany before
the war broke out, Knollenberg was
! given a hint as to the plan to be used
| by Germany. According to this plan
the Kaiser is about three weeks be-
hind his schedule in his campaign
against France.
The sentiment in Germany is
strongly in favor of the Kaiser's pol
! icy to fight" said Knollenberg, while
in England there is a strong sentiment
against war. The government Off
Gals of England, however, realize that
! they can gain by turning against Ger
many at this crucial time and conse
quently they are almost unanimous in
favor Of England's attitude in the war
In talking with prominent men ir
connection with the peace conference
in London, do not find that there is a
strong belief that the end of this wal
will mean disarmament of nations. Ha
tired is really stronger than it ever
has been and I don't see how nations
fighting against each other can turr
folx low
other
Germany will get the worst end OF
it no matter how the war turns out,
he said "The credit system has now
been almost completely ruined. While
the government credit is still intact
the credit system of the people is be
ing ruined"
When Knollenberg was in Copen
hagen, August IS, there were vast
preparations being made for war, Civ
ing the indication that Denmark j:
also anticipating entering the con-
flict. She is a bitter enemy of Ger
many while Sweden is favorable to the
Kaiser.
According to the war experts O
England with whom knollenberg talk
ed, the Germans have their campaign
SO we'll in hand that Russia will hav,
an extremely hard time in crossing tn
Vfstula, their only entrance into tn
main part of the German empire. Al
the bridges have been destroyed b.
the Germans and all the cities on tn
German side are strongly fortified
If Germany can lower France t,
her knees before Russia is able t.
, cross the Vistula, the German plan o
campaign will be a success, accOrdin,
, to Knollenberg. The reports in tn
newspapers in this country and il
T England that the Russians will be il
Berlin in short time, are absolutel
: false. 1t is an impossible feat, &C
: cording to Knollenberg.