New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-20
Wrote King July 81 British
Attitude Would Decide
Matter.
CORRESPONDENCE TO
HOUSE OF COMMONS
Presidents Letter Of July 81
and Reply of August |
Made Public.
TBy Cable to The Tribune J

[By Cable to The Tribunel
London, Feb. 19.-The letter which
the French President addressed to
King George, and his majesty's reply
on the eve of the outbreak of the
war, which Sir Edward Grey promised
the House of Commons to make public,
was issued to-day. The letters follow;
paris, July 81, 1914.
Dear and Great Friend:
"In the grave events through which
Europe is passing, feel bound to con-
vey 10 your majesty the information
which the government of the republic
has received from Germany. Military
preparations which are being under
taken by the imperial government,
especially in the immediate neighbor-
hood of the French frontier, are being
pushed forward every day with fresh
vigor and speed. France, resolved. to
continue to the very end to do all that
lies within her power to maintain
peace, has up to the present confined
herself solely to the most indis-
pensable precautionary measure, but
it does not appear that her prudence
and moderation serve to check Ger
manys action; indeed, quite the re-
verse.
1--WE are perhaps then, in spite Of the
moderation of the government OF the
republic and the calm of public opin-
ion, on the eve of most terrible events.
From all information which reaches US
il would seem that war would be In
evitable if Germany were convinced
that the British government would not
intervene in a conflict in which France
might be engaged. If, on the other
hand, Germany were convinced that
the entent cordiale would be 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 remain unbroken.
at is true that our military and
naval arrangements leave complete lid,
erty to your majesty's government and
that in letters exchanged in 1913 be-
tween Sir Edward Grey and Paul Cam
bon Great Britain and France entered
into nothing more than mutual agree
ment to consult one another in the
event of European tension and to ex-
anime in concert whether common ac-
ton were advisable; but the character
of the close friendship which public
feeling has given in both countries
to the entente between Great Britain
and France, the confidence with which
our governments have never ceased to
work for the maintenance of peace and
the signs of sympathy which your maj
esty has ever shown to France Justify
me in informing you quite frankly OF
my impressions, which are those Of the
government of the Republic and OF all
France. 1t is, l consider, on the lam
1 - lFaF nZh
ment that henceforth the last chance
of peaceful settlement depends.
1--WE ourselves, from the initial
stages of the crisis, have enjoined upon
our allies the attitude of moderation,
from which they have not swerved, in
concert with your majesty's govern
ment, and in conformity with Sir Ed
ward Grey's latest suggestions, we Will
continue to act on the same lines. But
IL all efforts at Cancellation emanate
from one side and if Germany and
Austria can speculate on the Austen
ton of Great Britain, Austria's de-
mands will remain inflexible. and the
agreement between her and Russia will
become impossible.
Il am profoundly convinced that at
the present moment the more Great
Britain, France and Russia can give
the deep impression that they are
united in their diplomatic action, the
more possible will it be to count upon
the preservation of peace. | beg that
your majesty will excuse step which
is only inspired by the hope of see
ing the European balance Of power
definitely reatiirmed.
pray accept expression of my most
cordial sentiments.
"R. PoINCARE."
The Kings reply follows:
Buckingham Palace, August l, 1914.
"Dear and Great Friend:
81 most highly appreciate the senti-
ment which moved you to write to me
in so cordial and friendly spirit, and
am grateful to you for having stated
your views so fully and frankly. You
may be assured that the present situa-
ton in Europe has been the cause Of
much anxiety and preoccupation to me,
and | am glad to think that our two
governments have worked so amicably
together in endeavoring to find peace
full solution of the questions at issue.
at would be source of real salts
faction to me il our united efforts
were 10 meet with success, and ! am
still not without hope that the terrible
/ events Wnlcn seem SO near may w
averted. ! admire the restraint which
you and your government are exercis-
ing in refraining from taking undue
military measures on the frontier and
not adopting the attitude which could
/ in any wise be interpreted as a pro-
vocative one | am personally using my
best endeavor with the emperors OF
Russia and Germany toward finding
some solution by which actual military
operations may at any rate be post
poned, and the time thus given for a
calm discussion between powers. ! in
tend to prosecute these efforts without
intermission so long as any hope re-
mains of an smicable settlement.
"As to my country, events are chang
ing so rapidly that il is difficult to fore
cast future developments, but you may
be assured that my government will
continue TO discuss freely and frankly
any point which might arise Of interest
/ TO our two nations with NJ. Cambon.
believe me, ". lie President.
GEORGE, r. l."
narp,oou T,, i've A;v Ayr,u