The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-08-19

The German general staff has pub
nshed an official statement to the
effect that French officers and sold
iers, especially of the artillery, had
been sent into Belgium before hostil-
tiles had been begun. in order to
aid the Belgians in the defense OF
the Lege forts. This fully COIN
cides with the interview given by
the German chancellor. Won Beth
mann-Hollweg, to the correspondent
of a Scandinavian paper, which ap-
peared in the "Politiken Norden'
at Copenhagen. wherein it was stated
with certainty by the chancellor
who has proofs Of his assertions,
that Belgium had promised France
to permit French troops to pass
through her territory on their way to
invade Germany. The German for
eign office, having ascertained this
beyond any manner of doubt, OF
course, took the initiative, but not
until the Kaiser first asked King
Albert's permission under his guar
antee Of neutrality. which was re-
fused.
Thus it becomes more and more
evident each day, that there had
been a vast and clandestine conspir-
acy against Germany long before
Austria's demand upon Servia
kindIed the confagration. 1t was
self-evident to the powers of the
Triple Entente. that Emperor Will
lam would stand by his ally and
Teutonic brother. Franz Josef, as ne
was In duty bound by the terms or
the Dreibund. All this being care
fully weighed in London. Paris and
St Petersburg, the preparations
went on apace to isolate Germany
and then attack her, five against
one.
History, says the German chaac.l-
lor. will verify that Belgium de-
serves all she is getting at the hands
Of the outraged Kaiser. de nsEs
to suspend judgment until the ven
of contemporary hatIc1 and rivalry
will have been lifted.
Another thing, which Is peing 33I.
ticularly stated In the Gera.an press,
is the wrong impressiol purpose'y
created in the public mind IN regard
to the situation in Alsacs and Tn Inc
Russian frontier.
Can any one in his right senses
believe, IL Is asked, that the KAISER
and his advisers would quietly re-
main in belgium with the biggest
part of the German army, IL there
were the slightest foundation Tor
the reports manufactured in ana
sent out from Paris, telling OF a
series of brilliant victories or an
invading French army, and OF con-
tinued repulses Of the Germans IN
their own country? This ought TO
be sufficient answer to the news sent
out for the sole purpose to keep the
Frenchmen in a high state OF patri-
otto fever. It is the usual mode OF
procedure on the part OF French OF.
ficials, who have the very best OF
reasons to fear the Partisan MODS
IL things were known to go wrong.
The German general staff Is quite
outspoken on the matter of the &C.
currences at Liege II was impos-
sible for Germany to protest against
the presence Of French officers In
Belgium so long as war had not
been declared. After hostilities had
been begun, the Kaiser's govern
ment, amazed at so palpable
breach of the law of international
comfy and neutrality, had to take
quick action. And II did. But even
then only in accordance with the
dictates of the law OF nations. For.
SAYS the general staff. 1t was not
modified regiments that were dis
patched into Belgium. no force on a
war footing. but six small brigades
on a peace footing. accompanied by
a small complement Of cavalry and
This small force was modified
only after 1t had reached Liege and