The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1918-04-30
WfIhsImstrasss Intriauss.

THE treaty was practically complete at the
| time OF the kings visit to Berlin in May, 1918.
a conversation then took place in Berlin under
the presidency Of the imperial chancellor (Herr
Won Bethmann HOllweg), in which took part,
and at which special wishes were laid down.
On my return to London l succeeded, with the
help OK my counselor Of embassy, Won Kuhl-
mann, who was working upon the details of the
treaty with Mr.. Parker, in putting through
last proposals also 1t was possible for the
whole treaty to be initiated by Sir Edward Grey
and myself in August, 1913, before went on
leave. Now however, new diflcuties we're to
arise. which prevented the signature and ii was
only year later, shortly before the outbreak OF
war. that was able to obtain authorization for
the fnal settlement. Signature. however, never
took place.
Sir Edward Grey was willing to sign only If
the treaty was published, together with the two
treaties Of 1893 and 1899; England has no other
secret treaties, and 1t is contrary to her existing
principles that she should conceal binding agree
ments. He said, however, that he was ready
to take account of our wishes concerning the
time and manner OK publication, provided that
publication took place within one year, at latest
after the signature. In the (Berlln) foreign Of
fce however, where my London successes
aroused increasing dissatisfaction and where
an influential parsonage (the reference is appar-
emily to Herr Won stumm), who played the part
embassy for himself IL was stated that the pub
lication would imperil our interests in the colo
nies. because the Portuguese would show their
gratitude by giving US no more concessions.
The accuracy of this excuse is Illuminated by
the fact that the old treaty was most probably
just as much long known to the Portuguese as
our new agreements must have BEEN in view
OF the intimacy Of relations between Portugal
and England; II was illuminated also by the
fact that in view of the influence which England
possesses al. Lisbon, the Portuguese government
is completely powerless in face OF an Anglo
German understanding.
"a Disastrous Mistake"
Consequently 1t was necessary to find an
other excuse for wrecking the treaty 1t was
said that the publication of the Windsor Treaty. |
which was concluded in the time Of Prince Ho-
henlohe, and which was merely a renewal of the
treaty Of Charles H., which had never lapsed |
mann Hollweg being proof OF British hy-
pocriEy and perhdy! on this / pointed out that |
same thing as the Windsor Treaty and other |
similar treaties-namely, that we desired to |
protect the sovereign rights Of Portugal and |
the integrity OF Its possessions. In spite Of /
repeated conversations with Sir Edward Grey. |
in which the minister made ever fresh proposals |
concerning publication, the (Berltn) foreign Of |
flee remained obstinate. and finally agreed with Il
Sir Edward Goschen British ambassador in Il
Berln) that everything should remain as IL was j
before So the treaty which gave us extraordi- !,
nary advantages, the result of more than one
years work had Collapsed because it would /
have been public success for me. When in /
the spring of 1914 happened, ar dinner in the i
embassy at which Mr.. Harcourt (then colonial
the colonial secretary said that he was embar-
rassed and did not know how to behave. He
said that the present state Of affairs was in
tolerable, becaus he (Mr. Hareourt) wanted to
respect our rights, but, the other hand. ]
IN doubt as TO whetner ne shoula follow the old
fore extremely desirable to clear matters Ip
and to bring 70 conclusion an affair which had
been hanging on for 90 long.
when reported TO this effect I received a
rude and excited order, telling me to refrain
from any further interference IN the matter
II now regret that ] did NOT 70 70 Berlin in !
order to offer his majesty my resignation, and
that I still did not lose my BELIEF in the possi-
1ility Of an agreement between me and the Lead
ng (German) personages. That was a disas-
rous mistake, which to be tragically aveng-
ID some months later
"Slight though was the extent to which
hen stil possessed the good viii Of the imperial
Observation-Disclosures he feared that I was aiming
IL his ofice-I must do him the justice 70 say
hat at the end OF June 1914, in our last conYer-
ation before the outbreak OF war. he gave his
consent to the signature and publication. Never
heleEs, ii required further repeated sugges-
ions on my part. which were supported by Dr.
5olf German colonial secretary. IN order at /
ast to obtain official consent at the end OF July.
Then the Serbian crisis was already threatening |
he peace OF Europe. and 80 the completion OF /
he treaty had To be postponed. The treaty Is
low one of the victims Of the war"