New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-12-28
Confessions of
Bethnann-HoUweg
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4 T TIE end II November The Amer.
n can newspapers printed caoegran,
giving brief summary Of state
ments made by Bethmann- Hollweg. .orme
German Chancellor. in answer TO damagi,.
documents given cut by the now revolution.
airy government at Munich. The org:ns
interview. which was printed in the Ger
man formerly North German "Alcs
meme Zeirung.7 has row reached this coua.
try. 1t is lengthy document and mora
important than appeared from the bre
summary brought By cable
Bethmann admits that Germany agreed
in advance to Austrias action agars
Serbia. after the tragedy OF Sarajeyo and
that Germany expressly declared nsal
willing 10 discharge is obligations Us al
ally if warlike complications should follow
He again denies. however, that he know Ill
tenor of the Austrian note before It was
sent to Serbia, but he admits that 7hen
he saw it he regarded it IS TOO sharp. IL
goes on TO claim that Germany had 70
reckon with political situation hat vas
steadily growing more dangerous 70 lis
vital interests. France was still directn.
It's policy toward the recovery rof Asaco-
Lorraine, and Russia. in alliance Wit
France. was seeking with renewed energy
since the war with Japan. TO get control e
Constantinoplc In pursuing That end Rus
sia vas trying systematically TO under
mine the position Of Austria in tie Be-.
kans. The ends aimed at by France AM
Russia could not be realized without wa
'The great programme Of President VI
son for concliatory league Of nations.
Bethmann goes ON, had as yet no influence
whatever, and national self-restrain. foF
the sake OF preserving the peace was no'
yet universal demand of nternationa
morals. An unbridled sill Tor power was
regarded by many people as natona
virtue, and var vas considered lees
means for achieving it."
Germany, says Bethmaun had 70 take AZ.
count Of all this in estimating the Serbisi
"mtrigues against Austria" Germany sse
Austria being weakened and could iorese
the time when it would stand without Az
ally against The Franco Russian ALLIANCE
That was the reason. the only reason
Bethmann claims, why Germany agreed o
Austria's course toward Serbia. Then he
goes into some OF the diplomatic history
July, 1914. to show that Germany was "a.
from planning a general war Bethmsnl
even says this: 4 long for the day when
can contribute toward establishing thF
truth before an impartial tribunal Of states.
which should have in hand all maters'
from both sides
Then Bethmann proceeds 10 speak quHf
frankly and effectively Of "the part Of TIE
blame FOR this world disaster that falls 70
u.s. Here he mentions first the invasion
OF Belgium, but only 70 stand M for eFei2
word that he said on that subject in rs
famous speech OF August 1, 1911. As ne
views the Alsace- Lorraine question. Ger
many's fault was not that it took the prov
inces in 1871 bat that il had not treate'
them in such a way as TO enable The people
there gradually to forget their change O
nationality. In view Of the continued d''.
content of those people, the original sa'
tolerant view of the annexation taken "
the English and Americans was caaAs
into its opposite.
Bethmann closes his confessions VIII
this important passage: above all, how
ever, we must confess that, through INC
faults Of our national character and Tx
sins OF our general behavior. We cor
tributed toward producing the warlike a's-
pressure which filled the political a.
mosphere during the past decade ard pre-
viously. Words were repeatedly spoken
that could be interpreted as proyocati0n'
Pan-German intrigues did US the creates
harm abroad and at home Il was partie'
larry our naval policy that brought US NV
the most fatal conflicts Besides all tnS'
We had manifold defects in our h0ms
politics.
Foreign Exchange Note
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