“Therefore France found it necessary to extract herself from isolation, and acquire allies against her neighbour (Germany).  In several decades of painful effort, French diplomacy has solved the problem in brilliant fashion. Revanche—­and alliance policy are inseparable conceptions."[184]

[Footnote 184:  Dr. Walter Platzhoff; “Deutschland und Frankreich,” p. 18.]

In contrast to most German authors, Platzhoff admits that the Entente Cordiale was called into being by Germany herself.  “This development caused great anxiety in Germany.  But it seems certain that Germany could have prevented it by one means alone—­an open agreement with England.  And Berlin, after considering the matter carefully, had declined the latter."[185]

[Footnote 185:  Ibid., p. 22.]

“That France would enter the field on Russia’s behalf is a logical consequence not only of the Dual Alliance treaty, but also of the policy pursued during recent decades.  In vain French ministers have protested their love of peace and their innocence in causing this war.  The policy of alliances and revenge was certain to end in a world conflagration.

“Already voices make themselves heard which prophesy a revolution in French policy and a later entente with Germany."[186]

[Footnote 186:  Ibid., pp. 26-8.]

Many such passages might be cited to prove that Germany would like to see a split among the allies.  But France’s honour and welfare are in her own hands, and it appears a futile hope that Germany, after failing to bring France to submission and self-effacement by threats of saigner a blanc, will succeed in her purpose by the reality.

CHAPTER XI

THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE WAR

Mention has already been made that a large number of Germany’s war books has emanated from the universities.  Not the least important of these efforts is “Deutschland und der Weltkrieg” ("Germany and the World War.")[187] Twenty well-known university professors have contributed to the work; the fact being emphasized that special facilities have been accorded to them by the German foreign office.  For British readers the chapters by Professors Marcks and Oncken are the most interesting, viz., “England’s Policy of Might” by the former, and “Events leading up to the War” and “The Outbreak of War” by the latter.  They take up a fifth of the 686 pages of which the entire work consists.

[Footnote 187:  “Deutschland und der Weltkrieg,” herausgegeben von Otto Hintze, Friedrich Meinecke, Hermann Oncken und Hermann Schumacher.  Leipzig und Berlin, 1915.]

The purpose of Professor Marcks’ essay is to prove on historical and scientific lines the lessons which have been taught in German schools for nearly half a century, i.e., England is an astute but ruthless robber who respects no right, and no nation which stands in her way.