which goes far beyond the limits of necessary precaution, and is, indeed, calculated to defeat the efforts of the diplomatists, however promising they may be?  There may, of course, be a satisfactory explanation, but as the matter stands it is inexplicable, and is all the more regrettable because it is calculated—­we feel sure unjustly—­to cast doubts on the loyalty and straightforwardness of the Russian Government.

When Russia had let pass the time limit set by Germany, when France had answered that she would act according to her own interests, then the German Empire had to mobilize its army and go ahead.  Before one German soldier had crossed the German frontier a large number of French aeroplanes came flying into our country across the neutral territory of Belgium and Luxemburg without a word of warning on the part of the Belgian Government.  At the same time the German Government learned that the French were about to enter Belgium.  Then our Government, with great reluctance, had to decide upon requesting the Belgian Government to allow our troops to march through its territory.  Belgium was to be indemnified after the war, was to retain its sovereignty and integrity.  Belgium protested, at the same time allowing, by an agreement with France, that the French troops might enter Belgium.  After all this, and not till France and Belgium itself had broken the neutrality, our troops entered the neutral territory.  Germany wanted nothing from Belgium, but had to prevent that Belgian soil be used as a gate of entrance into German territory.

Little has as yet been said of Great Britain.  It was Germany’s conviction that the sincerity of Britain’s love for peace could be trusted.  At any rate, Sir Edward Grey and Mr. Asquith asserted again and again in the course of the last few years that England wished friendly relations with Germany and never would lend its support to a Franco-Russian attack on Germany.  Now this attack had been made; Germany was on the defensive against two powerful enemies.  What would Great Britain do about it?  That was the question.  Great Britain asked in return for its neutrality that the German forces should not enter Belgium.  In other words, it asked that Germany should allow the French and Belgian troops to form on Belgian territory for a march against our frontier!  This we could not allow.  It would have been suicidal.  The German Government made Great Britain, in return for its neutrality, the following offers:  we would not attack the northern coast of France, we would leave unmolested the maritime commerce of France and would indemnify Belgium after the war and safeguard its sovereignty and integrity.  In spite of this Great Britain declared war on Germany and sides today with those Continental powers that have united for our destruction, in order that Muscovite barbarism may rule Europe.  We know that Germany did not deserve such treatment on the part of Great Britain, and do not believe that Great Britain by this action did a service to humanity and civilization.