New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-08-09
CHARGE DEFENDS.
GERMAN POLICY
British Proposals Forced
Invasion Of Belgium,
Says Diplomat.
LIEGE ONLY PRELUDE
TO GREAT CAMPAIGN
Haniel Won Haimhausen Holds
Conference with Bryan Re-
qarding U. S. Refugees.

Washington, Aug. S.-The German
point of view on the struggle no"
Going on in Europe was given to-day
nv the German Charge d'Afaires'
Uariel Won Haimhausen, who returned
from Newport 10 assume personal az
rection of the German Embassy, IN me
absence In Europe Of the German Am
Lassador Count Won Bernstorf
Mr. Won Haimhauscn held n long
oonference with Secretary Bryan on
tho General situation, and also saw MI.
Lansing. counsellor of the state De-
narrment. concerning several acute
phases relating TO the detention o.
Americans in Germany, the sailing OF
German reservists and the operations
of German merchant ships.
Concerning the political aspect OF
the conflict the German Charge NAM
tsins that the reports from London
eek to give the erroneous impression
that Germany precipitated the war
wholly because German troops mad al
vanced into Belgium, whereas, ne de-
elares. the British Foreign once had
previously laid down terms TO Germany
/ which would have had the effect OF re-
straining the German navy from oper-
| ating against Russia IN the Baltlc-tne
most natural waterway leading 70 the
Russian possessions or from operat-
/ ing against France along the norVh
coast of that country, which was the
most natural and proXimate point Tor
the German naval forces TO operate.
Thus. before the Belgian issue arose,
England. Mr.. Won Haimhausen con-
tends. had sought to compel Germany
! 10 hold its navy inactive 1T the very
points where it could be most ef-
fective; 10 reduce it to a state of COM
narrative inaction in UNFOLDING .sucn
position as the German nation might
determine upon.
AS 10 Belgium, also, Mr.. Won Hahn
hansen declares, the British govern
nent sought TO tie the hands OF Ger
many by a permanent agreement not
10 cross Belgian territory. when at the
same time Germany was aware that
French forces had already entered
Belgium and were operating there IN
defiance of all neutrality; also, that
belgian coast points were ready TO re-
ceive the British land and sea forces
II was this menace of humiliating the
German navy by reducing 1t to con-
dition of passive inaction, except a.
points far removed from its base
4. while British and other fleets were
free TO operate at will, and the added
restraint of Germany in Belgium, while
France remained unrestrained, tha'
compelled Germany to reject the Brit
ish conditions and adopt measures
compatible with her national dignity
and defence.
AS to the military operations arounC
Liege. Mr.. Won Haimhausen points GU
that English and French reports seel
to give them the aspect of great en-
gagement, whereas, he says, they ar,
merely the work of an advance guard
small in number, with the vast German
forces now advancing, which made
bold but successful attempt to TAX
modern fortress. He considers tn
English reports of losses as great.
exaggerated, and says that, notwith
standing the English reports, the ad
vance guard was not equipped with tn
heavy siege guns capable of reducing
fortress. Mr.. Won Haimhausen look
upon this as merely prelude to thu
advance of the highly organized mail
corps of the German army.
The German Charge explained to OF
ficials that the interruption of Ameri
can travel and exit in Germany wa
the result of the military necessity il
taking all available train and trans
portation service, and that it woul'
be accomplished with the least pos
sible inconvenience to individuals, ant
would soon be over.