The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1918-08-03
WILHELM MUEHLON
EXILE IN SWITZERLAND
His Disclosure Of Events in Germany
Just Prior to the Outlook of War
Led to His Expulsion By
German Government.

German Government.
Gumliben, Switzerland, Aug. 3.--"one
of the most interesting characters in
Switzerland to-day is DIR. Wilhelm
Muehlon, whose recent revelations OF
German political and diplomatic secrets
of the days before the war-at q time
when he was in confidential touch with
the high councils of the imperial Ger
man goyernment--led to official surveil-
lance over his movements and finally to
his expulsion from his native land
His disclosures, which have created
sensations in entente capitals, have been
regarded in many quarters as faithful in
terpretations Of events which contrib
uted to the outbreak OF the war nd as
chronicle proof that the German emper-
or's Vaccinations wera responsible for
the world conflict. They led to Ger
man government statement in the Reich.
stag that he was not pathologically re-
sponsible, and to-day he lives the life
of a retired farmer on the outskirts of
small Swiss village. Once he was a
director Of the great .Krupp war estab-
ment-a position he took at the request
of the German foreign office-and con
spicuous figure in civil and official cir
cles.
A man of forty-fve years, tall and
broad shouldered, with yellow Saxon
| hair and small mustache, Dr. Much
lon, challenger of the German emperor's
own version that he endeavored to main
tain peace, from time to time addresses
his compatriots across the border with
vigorous and independent views which,
he declares, great many Germans share
secretly. His personal appearance shows
none of the nervous agitation which the
German authorities have sought TO at
tribute to him He declares he has never
had to consult doctor; physically and
mentally he seems a man Of iron.
DR.. Muehlon was asked to-day how he
could be an opponent of militarism and
war, particularly the present struggle
and at the same time be a director Of
Krupp, the greatest war machine in the
world
"That appears to be inconsistent" he
said, ''but the explanation is simple.
have always been opposed TO war, and
even to large combinations like krupps,
as my inclinations were toward the wei.
fare and equality of the people and
the adjustment of differences by reason
instead Of by force. But II was felt de-
sirabe to have on the Krupp director
ate various shades Of opinion, even
though not in strict accordance with the
war activities of the establishment, so
that all views could be expressed and
something like common agreement OBJ.
| +us Abs
sented. To that end | came into the or
ganization, at first in a subordinate po-
sition and later in the directorate. 1t
was stipulated, however, that my activi-
ties should be mainly devoted 70 the
branch not engaged in war work, for
| Krupps has two branches Of about equal
size, one devoted TO war work and the
other to work unconnected with war.
Insensibly, however, my work in one
branch drew me into the other, as my
| experience in international affairs led
to my being consulted on war arrange
ments having any international bearing,
such as the armament of Turkey"
DIR. Muehlon went on to tell Of his
/ growing dislike to the war work and his
final determination TO give up all asso-
4 EAAkiBtl Will IL even NJ Al4h odGAAllAt VI
one Of the most important business
careers in Germany. DR.. Muehlon has
brought with him large fund Of mate
rial bearing on the causes leading to the
war Much of it is documentary, with
letters from persons and organizations in
| high position This may reach the pub
lie in due time and become part Of
the historical data bearing on the re-
sponsibility for bringing on the war.
| For the present, however, DR.. Muchlon
said, he is avoiding further controver-
| sial questions which would be likely to
arise If this mass Of data was made pub
lie at once. The only departure he has
made from this policy Is in assembling a
pamphlet of day-by day notes made at
the outset of the war giving his person
al impressions ON various phases OF the
war This is not in the line Of disclos-
ures or revelations, but rather Of vigur.
Gus personal criticism Of German official
and military methods, he said. One
OF the references to German conditions is
as follows:
"The general feeling Of the people
since the outbreak of the war is that
German diplomacy has failed every.
where Many assert that it has been
due to a day to day policy Of opportun-
ism without far-reaching plans. My
opinion Is that il could not have done
better with the controlling influence and
continual interference exercised by the
kaiser, Only he who bowed to every
wish of the kaiser could retain his place,
and all wanted to stay. There are few
people in Germany with convictions so
strong that they will give up magistra-
cies and offices in order to uphold their
convictions. They all ask How shall
do to get on and retain favors?; not
Does it correspond with my own iudg
ment p"
DR.. Muehlon takes gloomy view of
what would become of Europe If Ger
many secured the ascendsnce. with
Germany sovereign ove7 Europe" he
saws, "there would be general scat
| tering and flight of European races and
population to get away from German
/ rule. The remotest corners Of Europe
would become asylums Of refuge. An
immense shifting of lifes forces would
occur. And with Germany paramount
in Europe there would be real migra-
| tiou to the overseas countries