The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-09-27
\ Distinguished American Historians
Interpretation of the Plan to Extend
German Influence from the North Sea
to the Persian Gulf by Means of
Great Teutonic Confederation.

But she must fight them to such purpose
that the existence of the English fleet will no
longer be menace to her commerce. Here is
where the Pan-Germanic theory proves ITSELF
the author proceeds to demonstrate:
ITO secure share of the worlds trade in
fashion which will not expose her to the
attacks of the English fleet and which will
create empire less vulnerable in every way
than she believes the British Empire to be-
overland route to the East must be found.
The Germans consider perfectly feasible the
construction of great confederation Of states
including Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Bal
kan States and Turkey, which would control
a great band of territory stretching southeast
from the North Sea to the Persian Gulf
railway from Constantinople to Bagdad would
effectually tie the great trunk lines leading
from the Rhine and Danube valleys, to Con-
stantinople and the Persian Gulf and so es-
tablish shorter route to India than that via
Suez.
Egypt, Syria. Arabia. Persia India herself
the mother of nations would fall into German
hands and be held safe from conquest by this
magnificent overland route to the East.
Pan-Germanism is, therefore, in the first
place, defensive movement for selfpreserva-
ton Tor escaping the pressure of France and
Russia, both bent on her destruction. 1t is in
the second place, offensive movement di.
rected against England its object the conquest
OF the English possessions in the Mediterranean
and in Asia. She expects thus to obtain
outlet for her surplus population and manu-
features and to create an empire little vul-
nerabe politically, economically or strategic
ally any the world has yet seen"
In discussing Germanys chances of welding
together such world power Professor Usher
analyses the inherent weaknesses of her power
full rivals For example, he quotes Lord Cur
IONS remark that 1.-THE English are only a bit
OF froth upon an unbelievable ocean"
England, Germany hates disdains and de.
spises. For France and Russia she possesses
wholesome respect mingled with fear, but not
with love- France she considers a strong man
who has his race and is now beginning to
reach Spnility. Russia nlxc
uncouth STRIPPING not yet conscious of his
strength, not yet skilful enough to use the
strength of which he is conscious and not yet
intelligent enough to avoid being easily de-
ceived
Prerequisites to the success of the Pan-Ger-
manic scheme have been attended to in a
great measure. Germany has built fleet large
enough for defensive purposes. Her army is
large enough and efficient enough to stand as
a barrier between her and her enemies" and
her economic position is superior. And Ger
many could proceed to launch her great
scheme is quite startling bit of prophecy in
the light of recent happenings:
1.-THE seizure of Belgium and Holland will
very likely be the first German movement
when the actual accomplishment of Pan-Ger-
manism seems fairly assured. In
deed, it has been long held that an attack
upon the autonomy of Belgium or Holland
would be the equivalent of a declaration of
upon Europe that Germany will certainly
avoid any such outspoken manifestation of her
intentions
But Germany needs the strategic points
which those two countries control. The Meth.
erlands alone can furnish her a suitable naval
base the Channel from which to contest it's
possession with the English or from which to
intimidate the English fleet into permitting the
German ships complete freedom of passage
So long the German fleet must operate from
base of supplies so far removed as Kiel from
the naval base of the English in the Thames,
her position must be at the best anomalous
The occupation of Holland would make it a
reality From Holland too, the German army
From Belgium it most easily reach Paris
With both countries in their hands an attack
on either capitals would be equally feasible
and the capture of either would be equally fatal
to the Triple Entente.
The commercial significance of the position
of Belgium and Holland is no less striking
They control the outlet of the Rhine and there.
fore can prevent Germanys complete utiliza-
ton of the splendid natural higway draining
so large and so rich section of her land,