The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-02-21
DID ALL POSSIBLE
!. II, AVERT MAR
FRANCE AND ENGLAND ENTERED
CONTEST BECAUSE WAS NO
OTHER COURSE.

London, Feb. 20.--The anxiety Of
Great britain, Russia and France to
prevent the present war 10 evidenced
in tho letters from President Poincare.
of France, to King George. published
today for tho nrst time.
These letters, taken In conjunction
with the Cars telegram to the Kaiser.
suggesting resource to the Hague
Peace Conference, constitute. accord
ing to authoritative opinion here, tho
most effective proof yet presented OF
the sincere efforts of TIE allies to pre-
serve peace.
President Poincare wrote personally
to the King on Jufy 81 informing him
of Germany's military preparations. es-
peeiaily on tho French frontier and
stating that France was meanwhile
taking only indispensable and precau-
tionary measures. He added:
Prom all information II would eeem
that war Is inevitable IL Germany were
convinced that Great Britain would not
intervene in a conflict In which France
might be engaged. II. on the other
Hand, Germany we're convinced that
the entente cordia,e would he affirmed
In case Of need, even to the extent Of
taking the field side by side, there
would be the greatest chance that
peace would not be broken"
Hrftain Not Hound.
President roincare admitted that
Great Britain" was not bound to mill
tary or naval co-opera with France,
being merely bound by a mutual
! agreement to consult one another In
! the event OF European tension and to
Examine in concert whether common
action might be advisable, but tho
character OF close friendship which the
public feeling in both countries has
given the entente. the confidence with
which our two governments have never
ceased 10 work for tho maintenance
OF peace and the signs OF sympathy
which Your Majesty has ever shown
Justify me in informing you frankly
my Impressions which are those OF
the French government and of all
! France.
"As IL Is. consider on the language
J and the action of the British govern
ment that henceforward the last
chances of a peaceful settlement de-
pend. We ourselves from the initial
stages OF the crisis have enjoined our
ally an attitude of moderation from
I which they have not swerved. In CON
cert with your government and In con-
formity with Sir Edward Grey's latest
/ suggestion we continue to act on the
same lines. but II all efforts at con-
citation emanate on the one side. II
Germany and Austria can speculate on
the absention of Britain, Austria's do j.
mands will remain infiexible and agree
ment between her and Russia VIII be
Impossible.
Profound Expression.
/ 81 am profoundly convinced that the
moro Great Britain. France and Rus
sia can give the deep impression that
they are united In diplomatic action.
the more possible will It be to count on
the preservation OF peace"
King George replied that he was
grateful for the full. frank statement
and assured NJ. Poincare that the situa-
tion had caused him much anxiety and
preoccupation. He said he was glad
that the two governments had worked
for peace and expressed his admiration
at the restraint of France In refrain
ing from undue provocative military
measures on the frontier. He added:
TT would be source of real salts
faction TO me II our united efforts
were to meet with success. ! am still
! not without hope that the terrible
events which seems so near may be
averted. am personally. using ms
best endeavors with the Emperor o.
Russia and Germany towards finding a
solution whereby actual military opera
tons- at any rate may he postponed
and time given for calm discussion.
intend to prosecute these efforts with.
remains of an amisahle settlement.
AS to the attitude of my country
events are changing so rapidly that 4
IL difficult to forecast future develop
: mentB, but you may be assured tha
, my government will continue to dis
cuss. freely and frankly. any point o
, interest 10 our nations. with NJ. Cam
! bon"