Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1919-01-08

In a recent interview with represen-
tative of the Associated Press, Count
Cernin. former Austria minister for for
cigp affairs. attributes the origin of the
world war to the Pan-SlaVic movement IN
Europe. He asserts that the pohtlcai
aspirations of the various Slavic nations
especially separate ideas Of the CZechs
and Jugoslavs, threatened the territorial
integrity OF the dual monarchy, and to
prevent complete dtsinteEration or their
empire, Hapsburgs resoTted to war.
That's an old story repeatedly told us
by your notorious colleagues OF Berlin,
Herr Won Czernin. We have grown sur
felt of such talk. Let us be candid dear
Count, and analyze the Austrian cause
from impartial point of view, and not try
to conceal the facts by lies, lofty phrases
and all such diplomatic camouilage.
Austria Hungary went into this war
primarily to better the economic condi-
lions Of the empire by acquiring colonies
in tho Balkans and suitable harbors on
the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas, and
for the further reason to settle its inter-
nal political difficulties,
1t was German Chancellor Won Bis
marcg who first, at the international
congress held in Berlin at the conclu-
sion of the Russo Turkish war In 1878,
suggested to Austrian statesmen that the
future development Of the dual mon
archy depended on its colonial expansion
in the Balkan peninsula. Small nations
like Serbans and Aibanians were to be
Oyerpowered and new territories annexed
During the past decade aggressive for
eign policy symbolized by slogan l)rang
mach Osten" was pursued by Austria
This aggression had reached such point
that in 1908 Baron Won Aerhenthal then
Austrian minister Of foreign affairs. by
annexation Of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
almost plunged whole Europe into armed
conflict.
There is enuogh e dence in the arch
ives Of the ministry of foreign affairs
in Vienna to prove III the Austrian at
tack on Serbia was pre-arranged al
fair.
When the conflict with Russia broke
out. Austrian militarsts, from ''suppon-
lressors" mon commissioned officers with
more than three years of service) OF low
est rank to the chief of general stall, were
firmly convinced Of Austria's success.
Everyone cried: "Wir fruehstucken in
Warsaw, nohmen das Mittagsmahl in
Moscow, und das Abeudsessen in Petro-
grad" eve will have our breakfast IN
Warsaw, dinner in Moscow and supper in
Pctrograd). 1t was to b. "ustige
llrieg" (nerry WARP.
Almost every foot Of territory that the
Hapsburgs governed has been acquired
b. deceit force, rol ,ry and blood. All
the small nations. OF which the dual
monarchy was composed, were glued To-
gether not by love and fealty, but ~
blood chains and bayOnet. Was the re
cent annexation OF Bosnia and Herze-
g0vnia anything else bat sheer robbery
10th Of these countries were liberated by
Russia both are occupied almost eTelu-
glvely b. S,aYs; and since the occupation
md annexation b. Austria those people
have been numerically prosecuted by the
Austrian authorities
ia is a well known fact that Austria
was trying to initiate Germany and Eng
land as a sea power but unfortunately
She had not suitable sea harbor and
tneW that she could easily acquire one
AS usual by robOery-but little Sel bia
would not permit it, hence 1t was crushed
Austria has for a long period Of years