Class JlH^Zi Book.^ lJ Copyright}] D q^O: r: COPYRIGHT DEPOSnV s^s^ r.'.y ^ The Willy-Nicky Correspondence Being the Secret and Intimate Telegrams Exchanged between the Kaiser and the Tsar SOME NEW BORZOI BOOKS THE CABIN By V. Blasco Ibdnez MADAME SAND By Philip Moeller HADDA PADDA By Godmundur Kamban THE ART THEATRE By Sheldon Cheney BEATING 'EM TO IT By Chester Cornish ZELLA SEES HERSELF By E. M. Delafield A BOOK OF PREFACES By H. L. Mencken THE CITY OF THE DISCREET By Pio Baroja THE THREE BLACK PENNYS By Joseph Hergesheimer INTERPRETERS AND INTERPRE- TATIONS By Carl Van Vechten MR. GEORGE JEAN NATHAN PRE- SENTS By George Jean Nathan Meeting of the Kaiser and the Tsar at Bjorkb The Willy-Nicky Correspondence Being the Secret and Inumate Telegrams Exchanged Between the i^aiser and the Tsar By Herman Bernstein With a Foreword by Theodore Roosevelt Alfred A. Knopf New York Mcmxviii COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY ALFRED A. KNOPF Copyright, 191 7, by The New York Herald Company Published January, igii N -5 iSia- PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OB" AMERICA -r^ ©CI.A47887t) CONTENTS PAGE Foreword by Theodore Roosevelt 7 Introduction by Herman Bernstein 11 The Willy-Nicky Telegrams 47 Acknowledgment is due to Vladimir Bourt- seff, M. Schegoleff and Professor Tarle, the eminent historians of the Russian revolution, through whose courtesy I was enabled to secure the important documents for publication. Acknowledgment is also due to The New York Herald for permission to reproduce this correspondence. Herman Bernstein To all who are working to make the world safe for democracy and for a durable, righteous peace, this volume is sincerely dedicated, HERMAN BERNSTEIN SAGAMORE HILL November 6th, 1917. My dear Mr. Bernstein, I congratulate you on the noteworthy service you have rendered by the discovery and pub- lication of these letters. They illuminate, with a glare like a flashlight, the dark places of diplomacy of despots; they show what diplomacy in autocratic nations really is, and what it has done and sought to do, right up to the present time. The whole world ought now to understand that the despotism of Germany was one of plot and intHgue no less than of ruthless brutality aiA barbarism, and that with a cynically complete absence of all sense of international morality and good faith it sought to bend to its purpose of evil the poor feeble FOREWORD puppet who at the moment embodied the despotism of Russia. These letters should be made familiar to all civilized peoples. They show the folly of the men who would have us believe that any permanent escape from anarchy in Russia can come from the re-establishment of the autocracy^ which was itself the prime cause of that anarchy — for the governmental condition was so intolerable that they put a premium on the production of law- less violence in the ranks of the lovers of liberty and justice and fair play to all. They show^ furthermore^ the wicked folly of all who would now treat with the German despotism for a negotiated peace, a peace with- out victory, a peace into which the wrong-doer and the wronged would enter on equal terms. This war was made by the militaristic and capitalistic autocracy of Germany, and it was acquiesced in and even promoted by the Ger- man socialistic party^ which thereby proved FOREWORD itself traitorous to the workingmen and farm- ers of the world. With these documents be- fore them^ no Americans who hereafter directly or indirectly support the Prussianized Ger- many of the Hohenzollerns can claim to stand in good faith for human rights^ for equal jus- tice^ and for the liberty of small well-behaved nations. Let me repeat, my dear sir, that in publish- ing these letters you have rendered a signal service to this nation and to all mankind. Very sincerely yours, THEODORE ROOSEVELT. \^ syVCAMORC HILt.. *^-vQ^ CATTTV^of ©-X-^^^^i^ ^ »*-*-M^^ C3 ^-A^ c«v;«^^ .L^,,,^UJ^.^ ( V ,. ( K ^'•ki^!i»vn.l 5 -^ r^H ' H MH^^^a I \'o i 1 1 i.x }. ^ V4^ -^ v> 8 ] ^ I INTRODUCTION During my recent stay in Russia I learned that shortly after the Tsar had been deposed, a series of intimate, secret telegrams exchanged between the Kaiser and the Tsar were discov- ered in the secret archives of Nicholas Roman- off at Tsarskoye Selo. Before leaving Russia I secured the complete correspondence which gives a clear insight into the system responsible for the sinking of the Lusitania, the use of poisonous gases, the violation of Belgium, the enslavement of the Jews in German Poland and Lithuania, the spurious promises to Po- land, the sending of explosives in German dip- lomatic pouches to neutral countries to blow up neutral ships, the dissemination of germs to kill cattle and destroy crops, the baby-killing 11 12 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE Zeppelin raids, and the policy of "spurlos versenkt." These intimate communications between Kaiser Wilhelm and Tsar Nicholas not only un- mask the characters of the German emperor and the deposed Tsar of Russia, but also re- veal to the world ah extraordinary human document which discredits completely the Ger- man autocracy that is endeavouring to enslave mankind. The Kaiser is exposed as a master intriguer and Mephistophelian plotter for Ger- man domination of the world. The former Tsar is revealed as a capricious weakling, a characterless, colourless nonentity. The complete correspondence, consisting of sixty-five telegrams exchanged between the Emperors during the years 1904, 1905, 1906 j and 1907, forms an amazing picture of intei- ( national diplomacy of duplicity and violence, painted by the men responsible for the greatest war in the world's history. The documents, \i. INTRODUCTION / 13 not intended for the eyes of even the Secreta- ries of State of the two Emperors, constitute the most remarkable indictment of the system of governments headed by these imperial cor- respondents. The telegrams, written in English, are quaint and stilted in style, here and there, and most intimate and friendly in tone. They are at times amusing for their naivete and childish- ness and amazing for their arrogance and con- ceit. The Emperors signed their telegraphic messages "Willy" and "Nicky." But when the Kaiser was angry, — ^when he believed that his rights were infringed, he made his demands in firm, stern terms, and instead of signing the telegram "Willy," as most of his messages were signed, he suddenly became "Wilhelm." Side by side with the international intrigues and plots, these telegrams contain frivolous comments on men, affairs and the weather, petty diplomatic gossip, and repeated love mes- 14 THj_ WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE sages from the Kaiser to "Alice," the German Princess who became the Tsaritsa of Russia. V These love greetings to the Empress of Rus- sia assume a peculiar significance when it is recalled that the Kaiser was practically the match-maker between Alexandra and Nicholas, and that the German Empress of Russia domi- nated the Tsar, working for Germany's inter- ests to such an extent that she not only sym- pathised and sided with Germany in this war, but actually made every endeavour to be- tray Russia to Germany through a separate peace. To accomplish this the former Tsar- itsa sought to bring about Russia's defeat, kept Germany informed of Russia's military secrets, transmitting to Germany information she re- ceived in intimate letters from her husband, the Tsar, when he was at the front as the chief commander of the Russian army. The correspondence, extending over a pe- riod of four years, shows the Kaiser conspiring INTRODUCTION 15 against England, endeavouring to deceive France, ensnaring Russia, plotting to violate Denmark, giving the Tsar fantastic military ad- vice on how to defeat Japan. The Kaiser gave Nicholas lessons on how to fight during the Russo-Japanese war, and then counselled him concerning peace negotiations. After the Kaiser had failed for nine years to make France a vassal State of Germany through an alliance with France against Eng- land, after all his promises and friendly man- oeuvres had miscarried, he determined to at- tack the problem from another side. /He turned to the weak and feeble-minded Tsar of Russia, inducing him to form a secret alli- ance between Germany and Russia without breathing a word to Russia's ally, France, and then force France to join the alliance against England and break the agreement made be- tween England and France in April, 1904. It was the Kaiser's plan to form a secret 16 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE agreement with Russia first and then acquaint the French Repubhc with the accomphshed fact. France would thus be compelled to de- cide quickly — either to join the newly organ- ised combination against England or to break the Franco-Russian alliance and face German invasion in the near future. The Kaiser knew the Tsar's weakness and took advantage of it for the purpose of further- ing his ovm ambitions. The Tsar yielded to the cunning machinations of the Kaiser, and a secret treaty was signed. It was a treaty de- signed to make the Kaiser the master of Europe, while Russia, helping him in this, was at the same time practically forced from the ranks of the great world Powers. The telegrams, dated July 5 and 10, 1904, dealing with the Smolensk and the Scandia episodes, are of especial interest, as they show how the head of the government responsible for the sinking of the Lusitania, the violation INTRODUCTION 17 of Belgium, the anti-American Mexican con- spiracy and countless inhuman atrocities, ex- pressed his indignation in 1904 over the seiz- ure of the mail from a German vessel by a Russian cruiser. He wrote on that occasion: — "This act, a violation of international law, will create great surprise and disgust in Ger- many." In the telegram dated July 10, 1904, the Kaiser called the seizure of the German steam- ship Scandia "an open violation of interna- tional sea law nearly adequate to piracy." Nothing that has ever been written about the Kaiser or the deposed Tsar has served to unmask these unscrupulous rulers as they un- mask themselves in their secret documents which would have remained buried in the pri- vate archives of the Tsar, had it not been for the great revolution that ended the reign of terror of the Romanoffs. In these intimate telegrams the Kaiser 18 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE stands out as the craftiest of cynics and poseurs, plotting against the peace of the world, endeavouring to deceive Nicholas in the belief that his whole concern was for peace. Both talked for peace and plotted against it. The Kaiser was deeply interested in the start of the Russian squadron under Admiral Rojestvensky and, as is seen from telegram number 13, tried at once, even without any secret treaties, to cause a break between France and England. While writing of the protest by Japan and England against Germany's fur- nishing coal to the Russian squadron on its way to the Far East the Kaiser told Nicholas "to remind your ally, France, of obligations taken over in the treaty of dual alliance with you. In the event France should try to refrain from furnishing coal to the Russian squadron in her ports, the Kaiser promised the Tsar to threaten France, writing "though Delcasse is INTRODUCTION 19 an anglophile enrage, he will be wise enough to understand that the British fleet is utterly unable to save Paris." He then stated to the Tsar that "in this way a powerful combination of three of the strong- est Continent Powers would be formed." At the time that the Kaiser kept informing the Tsar about the progress of the war, about peace negotiations, talking to him of the ad- vantages of betraying France, retailing diplo- matic gossip, advising him that new battle- ships "would be excellent persuaders during peace negotiations," he did not overlook his own business opportunities, informing Nich- olas that "our private firms would be most glad to receive contracts." Then the North Sea incident occurred, and Nicholas fell into the trap laid for him by the Kaiser. He immediately accepted the Kai- ser's scheme of a secret alliance with Germany against England, adding that "France is bound 20 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE to join her ally." Nicholas asked the Kaiser ''to lay doY/n and frame the outlines of such a treaty." That the Kaiser, who proposed the treaty, v/as quite prepared is evident from the fact that on the day after the receipt of the Tsar's tele- gram he informed Nicholas by wire that he had sent the draft of the treaty by special courier. To arouse the Tsar's anger still more the Kaiser telegraphed at the same time absurd stories about mysterious vessels among the British boats not belonging to the fishing fleet, and added "so there must have been foul play" in the North Sea incident. Later he notified the Tsar that Great Brit- ain was preparing to send an expedition to Afghanistan; he wrote reproachfully of the tendencies noticed in France and Endand to end the Russo-Japanese war as soon as possi- ble; he again assured Nicholas that the Jap- anese armies were near exhaustion. He also INTRODUCTION 21 informed Nicholas that England wanted to let Russia have compensation in Persia for her loss of Manchuria, but he warned the Tsar not ' to be deceived by such promises, as England would not permit Russia to have access to the warm sea. Therefore he endeavoured to stir up new military enthusiasm in Nicholas on the eve of the fall of Port Arthur. Prating of peaceful intentions, the war lord urged the weakling of Tsarskoye Selo to disregard peace offers, and concluded his message by saying .^ 'T continue to watch everywhere for you." When Nicholas showed signs of hesitation, the Kaiser warned him that the consequences of the secret treaty proposed by him would be most dangerous if any other Power were to learn of it. He telegraphed him, "No third ( Power must hear even a whisper about our in- tentions before we have concluded the conven- tion." The Tsar immediately assured the Kaiser 22 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE that he could fully rely on his loyalty and that he was eager to arrive at a speedy settle- ment of this serious question. On the day after this assurance was made Nicholas tele- graphed to the Kaiser that he was sending him a note declaring his complete acquiescence with the Kaiser's wishes in the matter. Then the Kaiser again instructed Nicholas with regard to the conduct of the war. A stockholder in the Hamburg-American line, the Kaiser was displeased because agents of the Hamburg- American line, who were in Rus- sia at the time for the purpose of selling col- liers to the Russian government met with difficulty in their transactions, as members of the Russian government for some reason re- fused to buy the ships. The Kaiser informed the Tsar of this, declaring the Russians were "pretending that they have no spare crews to man the colliers. This," he stated cynically, "cannot be true, and I suppose that the wish to INTRODUCTION 23 have peace at any price is uppermost in the minds of the parties who plead impossibil- ity.'>> The Kaiser went on to give the Tsar advice how to overcome this attitude by outhning to him what Admiral Rojestvensky ought to do "if he would avoid defeat." The Kaiser re- minded Nicholas, "It is lucky for you that the French have at all times, even against their y own interests during the German war, main- tained the point of naval law that belligerent vessels may remain in a neutral port for any length of time and without disarming." Therefore he concluded that the French gov- ernment was ''fully entitled to let the second squadron remain in Madagascar until the arri- val of the third." He also told the Tsar that if any one advised him to let Admiral Rojestvensky attack the Japanese before the arrival of reinforcements he "might ask that party whether he is ready to / 24 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE take upon himself the responsibihty for the result." Thus he not only counselled the Tsar con- cerning the conduct of the war, but actually warned him against taking any one else's ad- vice. But when "Nicky" begged his German friend and adviser to give the necessary per- mission, "without which the further sailing of the squadron becomes entirely impossible," as the Hamburg- American colliers feared to give orders before getting instructions from the Chancellor, the Kaiser suddenly became formal and evasive. He reminded the weak-kneed Tsar that he had told him at the very beginning he would do nothing to prevent such an ar- rangement, but could issue no instructions to the Hamburg- American line, since it was "a private enterprise." He added that the Ham- burg-American line knew the situation and must take the responsibility itself, that he in- INTRODUCTION 25 formed Ballin to act as he saw fit — "of course at his own risks."^ The Kaiser, who but a short while ago had reminded his friend, the Tsar, that his private firms would be very glad to get orders from Russia, now protected his private interests by notifying the Tsar that he could not interfere. Several months later, in 1905, the whole world was interested in the unexpected meeting between the Kaiser and the Tsar. It was ar- ranged at the request of the Kaiser, who wired, "I would come as a simple tourist, without any fetes." It was on that occasion that the plotting Kaiser made Nicholas sign the secret treaty. Never forgetting the theatrical, "Willy" telegraphed to the Tsar that his guests did not suspect where they were going. While telhng him that he had important news for him, he added, "The faces of my guests will be worth seeing when they suddenly behold your yacht. 26 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE A fine lark. Tableaux!" Then the arch conspirator, plotting to set the world aflame, while prating of peace, asked the Tsar, "Which dress for the meeting?" In an exhaustive article on the significance of this "most sensational and actually most illuminating" correspondence between the Kaiser and the Tsar, The New Europe of Lon- don says of the pact of Bjorko as follows: "At this point the curtain drops upon the conspirators. A convention for joint action by Germany and Russia in the event of the for- mer being attacked by England and Japan on the score of her breach of neutrality in offering coaling facilities to the Baltic fleet seems to have been signed immediately; but the nego- jT tiations for an alliance of wider scope appear to have hung fire until the summer of the fol- lowing year, when the interview between the Kaiser and the Tsar at Bjorko (24 July, 1905) gave the former an opportunity to use his im- INTRODUCTION 27 mense personal influence over Nicholas II to stifle the latter's scruples. The Kaiser came to Bjorko armed with a draft treaty which was actually signed on board one of the Imperial yachts, the only witness to the transaction be- ing a Russian admiral who was called upon by his master, at the Kaiser's request, to append his signature to a document of the nature of which he was left in ignorance. The articles of the Bjorko treaty have not been divulged; but we know from subsequent telegrams of the German Emperor, published in the New York Herald, and from the recent disclosures of Mr. Isvolski in the Temps, that the alliance was expressly directed against England, and that y it provided for the conversion of the Baltic Sea into a mare clausum, and for the seizure and occupation of Denmark by Russia and Ger- many in the event of the high contracting par- ties embarking upon a war against Great Brit- ain. . . . 28 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE "The subsequent history of the Bjorko in- trigue is almost farcical. The Russo-German alhance, which it had taken the Kaiser the best part of a year to negotiate, remained operative for little more than a month. On his return to Tsarskoye Selo the Tsar communicated the terms of the treaty to his Foreign Minister Count Lamsdorf, who, we are told, 'could not believe his eyes or ears,' and who at once in- formed the Russian Ambassador at Paris of his master's indiscretion. Upon the latter's re- port that it would be impossible to get France to come into the agreement, Nicholas II seems to have been brought to realise the folly and impropriety of his act, and early in September the German Government was instructed that / the Treaty of Bjorko must be regarded as null and void on the ground that an essential clause, the adhesion of France, could not be carried out. "The chagrin of the Kaiser on receiving this INTRODUCTION 29 intimation can be pictured, and it found ex- pression in his telegram to the Tsar on 29 September, 1905. This message abounds in abuse of the Tsar's ally, although the Kaiser's persistent will to include France in the Russo- German combination appears to have under- gone no diminution. The Treaty of Bjorko, he tells the Tsar, Moes not come into collision with the Franco-Russian Alliance, provided of course, the latter is not aimed directly at my country. On the other hand, the obligations of Russia towards France can only go as far as France merits them through her behaviour. Your Ally notoriously left you in the lurch dur- ing the whole war, whereas Germany helped you in every way as far as it could without in- fringing the laws of neutrality.' "The Pact of Bjorko was still-born; but the story of its negotiation is of more than merely antiquarian interest, for it illustrates the char- acters of the autocrats of Potsdam and Petro- 30 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE grad and thereby throws light upon the causes and responsibihties for the present war. Nothing in the picture thus revealed is more arresting than the almost hypnotic influence which the Kaiser is shown to have exercised over the weak-willed and impressionable Tsar. The feeble 'Nicky' appears as wax in the hands of the masterful 'Willy,' who exploits the indecision of his brother ruler until he suc- ceeds in cajoling him, perhaps not for the first time — certainly not for the last time — into subordinating the interests of Russia to those of Germany." In his telegram to the Tsar, dated July 29, 1905, the Kaiser is revealed as an unscrupu- lous hypocrite. He advised Tsar Nicholas to do in 1905 what he refuses to allow his own people to do in 1917 in this war. From the correspondence between the Kaiser and the Tsar it is perfectly clear that INTRODUCTION 31 what happened to Belgium during this war was to happen to Denmark and would have hap- pened to that country if the Kaiser's plot to at- tack England had been carried out when he formed the secret alliance with Russia. The Kaiser conferred with the King of Den- mark for the purpose of acquainting him with this scheme. He intended to break the news gently to the King, whose country was to be violated by Germany and Russia. The Kai- ser's pretext for such a step was thus explained in his characteristic telegram to Nicholas: — "The Danes expect that Russia and Germany will immediately take steps to safeguard their interests by laying hands on Denmark and occupying it during the war." In this report to Nicholas the Kaiser bared his true character. He described how well he was received at the Danish Court and how the press had created an atmosphere of apprehen- 32 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE sion in connection with his stay, which caused him to change his scheme of acquainting the King with his project. The Kaiser's indignation was aroused be- cause he had learned that the British Minister in Denmark had used violent language against him, accusing him of the vilest intrigues. The imperial actor described how he met this situation under such embarrassing circum- stances. He wrote: — 'T did all in my power to dispel the cloud of distrust by behaving quite unconcernedly and making no allusion to seri- ous politics at all." Then he boastfully informed, the Tsar how he succeeded in learning from a conversation with M. Izvolsky that in the event of war Den- mark expected to be treated as they had ar- ranged. To justify the change of his decision to discuss this matter with the King he tele- graphed: — "The Danes are slowly resigning themselves to this alternative and making up INTRODUCTION 33 their minds accordingly. ... It is better to let the idea develop and ripen in their heads and let them draw final conclusions them- selves." After this lesson in the intricacies of diplo- macy and the whimsicalities of imperial psychology, the Kaiser wound up his report with a new thrust at Russia's allies: — "What do you say to the programme of festivities for your allies at Cowes?" he asked. "Very deli- cate, indeed. It shows I was right when I warned you two years ago." This remarkable report by the Kaiser elicited only a few lines from his capricious pupil and accomplice. Nicholas thanked him for the "interesting details" and approved his methods, saying, "You were quite right in not letting anything be known about our alli- ance." For sheer hypocrisy the Kaiser's telegram of August 7, 1905, has rarely been surpassed. 34 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE The war lord, who "watched everywhere," who toyed with the fate of the German and the Russian people in secret, who did not consult his Cabinet or Reichstag concerning matters of the gravest import, who conspired against the peace of the world, suddenly preached a ser- mon to Nicholas on the ''great Duma," the voice of the people, urging him to let the rep- resentatives of the people decide the question of war or peace in order to save Nicholas and the throne. Nicholas was irritated by the Kaiser's refer- ence to the "great Duma" and the voice of the people. Tsar Nicholas, whose reign was marked with bloodshed from the very day he ascended the throne in Moscow, in his reply to the Kaiser said, "You know how I hate bloodshed," and then assured him that he did not need the voice of the people to express itself in the matter of war or peace, that he was ready to take the INTRODUCTION 35 whole responsibility himself, adding that his conscience was clear. When the Russo-Japanese war ended, the Tsar suddenly realized that it would be better to acquaint France with the secret treaty be- tween Germany and Russia. He feared that the circumstances under which the treaty had been signed might arouse criticism in France, and he expressed his views on this sub- ject to the Kaiser. Wilhelm immediately changed his tactics and assured Nicholas that the treaty signed at Bjorko did not clash with the Franco-Russian alliance, provided the lat- ter was not aimed at his country. He again tried to arouse the Tsar's anger against France by declaring, "Your ally has notoriously left you in the lurch during the whole war, whereas Germany helped you in every way. . . . That puts Russia morally also under obligations to us — do ut des." He informed the Tsar that "the indiscre- 36 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE tions of Delcasse have shown the world that though France is your ally she nevertheless made an agreement with England and was on the verge of surprising Germany, with British help, in the middle of peace, while I was do- ing my best to you and your country, her ally." Having made this point, the Kaiser reiter- ated that the secret treaty they had made was a very good base to build upon, and appealed to the Tsar's religious sentiments thus: — "We joined hands and signed before God, who heard our vows. I therefore think that the treaty can well come into existence." If, however, the Tsar wanted any changes made in the words or clauses or provisions, the Kaiser now expressed his readiness to await any proposals Nicholas would see fit to lay be- fore him. Until the changes had been made, the Kaiser insisted that the treaty must be ad- hered to. INTRODUCTION 37 While discussing the treaty the Kaiser re- buked the Tsar because the "influential press" in Russia had become "violently anti-German and pro-British," and declared that these organs had been "bought by heavy sums of British money, no doubt." He reminded the Tsar that this attitude of the press caused irritation between Germany and Russia, that the "times are troubled and that we must have clear courses to steer; the treaty we signed is a means of keeping straight without interfering with your alliance as such." Then in the same telegram he once more played upon the Tsar's religious feelings, concluding, "What is signed is signed, and God is our testator." The master intriguer, noticing that his hold on Nicholas was weakening, resorted to Tar- tuffian methods to influence the weakling by reminding him that God was their testator at the signing of the secret treaty which was 38 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE really intended to upset the equilibrium of Europe in order that the Kaiser might be able to readjust it according to his own whims and caprices. Soon afterward the Kaiser addressed a tele- gram to the Tsar in which he expressed his in- dignation at England, calling King Edv/ard "the arch mischiefmaker of Europe." He wrote that he learned the Russian Am- bassador Benkendorff had been sent on a secret mission to the Russian Dowager Empress with instructions to win her over to influence y Nicholas against him, and that while the For- eign Office in London knew this, the Russian Embassy denied it. He added, "It is peculiar that your Ambassador should lend himself to such tricks." The Tsar, in reply, defended Benkendorff, assuring the Kaiser that he had gone to the Dowager Empress at her own request and with the Tsar's permission. The capri- INTRODUCTION 39 cious pupil of Tsarskoye Selo who apparently profited by the lessons of his Potsdam in- structor suddenly mustered courage to tell him that nothing could influence him except the honour and interest of his country; that Benk- endorff was a loyal subject and a real gentle- man and would not lend himself "to any false tricks, even if they came from the great mis- chief maker himself." The correspondence between the Emperors then became less friendly. The Kaiser indi- cated in his telegram of November 26 that the Tsar's information with regard to Morocco was incorrect. Nevertheless, he availed himself once more of the opportunity of warning the Tsar against the demonstration projected by France and England against Turkey, and hinted at an uprising by the Islamitic world. "The work of the 'Crimean combine' (the Franco-British entente) is to be detected here." In this note he even failed to send his 40 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE customary love message to Alice, the Empress of Russia. The Kaiser revealed himself in his own correspondence as playing the role of intriguer and tempter, hypocrite and cynic, actor, preacher, gossip and fantastic military expert. In dealing with Nicholas he flattered him and preached to him, counselled him and warned him; he also threatened and bullied him when the other methods proved ineffective. When the characterless and capricious ruler of the Russian people fell under the sway of other influences and the Kaiser saw his plot against England doomed to failure he changed his tactics sharply and practically turned the tables on his friend Nicholas. On August 16, 1906, he informed him that "Uncle Bertie's visit passed off most satisfac- torily." Uncle Bertie was King Edward. Then the Kaiser, who had plotted against Eng- land, employing every means to ensnare Rus- INTRODUCTION 41 sia and force France into signing the secret compact directed against England, suddenly, without any explanations, told the Tsar con- cerning his meeting with King Edward: — "We both agreed that the maintenance of friendly relations between our two countries is not only a blessing for them, but also for all the nations." And Nicholas, who had fumed and raged against England's "arrogance and insolence" but a little while before, replying to the Kai- ser's telegram, repeated parrotlike: — "The maintenance of friendly relations between Ger- many and England is an absolute necessity for the world." In the meantime, Nicholas was confronted with internal difficulties, and he notified the Kaiser that he was compelled to postpone the interview with him because he had decided "to disband the Duma." In the last telegram in our possession, dated 42 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE August 2, 1907, the Kaiser wrote once more of his meeting with "Uncle Bertie," who was "peacefully disposed." What the Kaiser, who had urged Nicholas to recognise the Duma as the voice of the people, thought of the dis- solution of the Duma is most characteristic. He wrote: "When asked by the King about the actual state of Russia I was happy to in- form him that I heard from you that all went well, the dismissal of the Duma by you being the same act as the dismissal of the Portuguese Parliament by his cousin Carlos." At the time of the writing of that message neither the Tsar nor the Kaiser knew that the "dismissal" of the Duma would Avithin ten years end the rule of the Romanoffs. The correspondence between the Emperors opens the eyes of the world to the great evil of autocracy. In the light of these telegrams it becomes perfectly clear that the plotting and scheming of autocrats to divide the world and INTRODUCTION 43 determine policies affecting the lives and hap- piness of millions of human beings cannot be tolerated any longer. The world must really be made safe for democracy and lasting peace based upon justice, liberty and equality. The secret correspondence between Wilhelm Hohenzollern and Nicholas Romanoff justifies most effectively President Wilson's following interpretation of the struggle against Kaiser- ism, in his masterly reply to Pope Benedict's peace proposal: "The object of this war is to deliver the free peoples of the world from the menace and the actual power of a vast military establishment controlled by an irresponsible Government, which, having secretly planned to dominate the world, proceeded to carry the plan out without regard either to the sacred obligations of treaty or the long established practices and long cher- ished principles of international action and honour; which chose its own time for the war, 44 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE delivered its blow fiercely and suddenly, stopped at no barrier, either of law or of mercy; swept a whole continent within the tide of blood — not the blood of soldiers only, but the blood of innocent women and children also and of the helpless poor — and now stands balked but not defeated, the enemy of four-fifths of the world. "This power is not the German people. It is the ruthless master of the German people." THE WILLY-NICKY TELEGRAMS THE WILLY-NICKY TELEGRAMS From Kiel, the 16th of June, 1904. Sa Majeste FEmpereur: Uncle Albert's visit going, of course, well. He is very lively and active and most kind. His wish for peace is quite pronounced, and is the motive for his liking to offer his services wherever he sees collisions in the world. The weather is simply disgusting. Best love to Alice. Sympathise sincerely with your fresh losses of ships and men. (Signed) Willy, A. of A. [M the very first telegram the Kaiser made an admission most damaging to the claims of German Anglophobes, Throughout the pres- 47 4S THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE ent world-war and for many years preceding it:, ih^ pan-Germans have been accusing Eng- land of plotting iTie ruin of the Fatherland by means of a policy of encirclement (Umkrei- sungspolitik)^ by surrounding her with a ring of foes. The inventor and originator of this policy ivas supposed to have been King Ed- ward VII . It was he, who as '^ joint conspira- tor'^ with Theophile Delcasse, was held respon- sible for the series of agreements between Trance and England in 1904 which settled all outstanding controversies between the two countries and resulted in the entente cordiale. An understanding between France and Eng- land could have been inspired only by motives of Hostility to Germany, according to the Ger- man jingoes who regarded a permanent Franco- British rivalry as a vested German interest. But here we are assured, by ''God's anointed'' himself, that Edward's ''wish for peace is quite pronounced" although he tried to frighten the TELEGRAM TWO 49 Tsar with the English King^s wish for peace : It "is the motive for his liking to offer his serv- ices wherever he sees collisions in the worldj^ and he may yet try to spoil your little war with Japan!^ From Nordf jordeidet, the 20th of June, 1904. Sa Majeste I'Empereur, Peterhof: Condole with you at death of Count Keller, a brave soldier and gentleman. Have com- municated date fixed by you to my brother-in- law. He will, of course, report himself to you. Perhaps my cousin of Hohenzollern will watch the Japan troops on their side. We have fine weather here. Best love to Alice. (Signed) Willy. 50 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE From Peterhof, the 21st of June, 1904. Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'AUemagne, Nordfjordeidet: Thank you for your condolence. Saw Mr. Witte, who reported the conclusion of the / treaty with Count Biilow. Hope you are en- joying your cruise. Have inspected all the troops of the First Army Corps. Best love from both. (Signed) Nicky. From Molde, the 5th of July, 1904. Sa Majeste FEmpereur: A Russian steamer, calling itself a cruiser, Smolensk has stopped the German Lloyd's steamer Prince Henry and carried off the whole of the post bags containing correspond- TELEGRAM FIVE 51 ence to Japan. This act, a violation of inter- national law, will create great surprise and dis- gust in Germany, considering the friendly feel- ing shown to Russia by our country, and, if re- peated, will, I fear, contribute to considerably reduce the sympathy still cherished for your country by Germany. (Signed) Willy. From Peterhof, the 7th of July, 1904. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Berlin : Excuse me for answering so late, but having come back from an inspection of the 22d divi- sion I had no time to write sooner. I regret tjiis excess and trope de zele of the Smol- ensk. Measures shall be taken to prevent similar cases occurring. Would be too sad if one episode were to spoil the excellent rela- 52 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE tions existing between our countries. I took your aide de camp, Count Lamsdorff , with me. Your Wiborg regiment presented itself very well. I told them I was sure they would show themselves worthy of their colonel in chief. (Signed) Nicky. From Drondheim, Hohenzollern, The 8th (21st) of July, 1904. Sa Majeste I'Empereur, Peterhof: Best thanks. Quite satisfied. Hope my regiment wilful to behave well. Best love to Alice. ((Signed) Willy. TELEGRAM SEVEN 53 From Drondheim, The 10th (23rd) of July, 1904. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Peterhof: I have just heard from Hamburg hne that Russian "cruiser" has carried off their steamer Scandia under Russian officers and crew to unknown destination. This act is an open violation of international sea law and is nearly adequate to piracy. I think it high time that the captains of the so-called cruisers should receive instructions warning them to refrain from committing such acts as the above, as they are able to bring about international com- plications. (Signed) Wilhelm. 54 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 8 From Peterhof, the 11th (24th) of July, 1904. Sa Majeste I'Empereur, Drondheim: Orders have already been given to captains to refrain from stopping ships, but it is not easy to transmit them instructions while they cruise about. Steamer Scandia shall be immedi- ately released on her arrival at first port. During this war we learned that enormous quantities of contrabrand were being shipped from Europe to Japan. Naturally, out of a feeling of self-defence, we wanted to put a stop to it. I hope you will see from this that there was not the slightest idea in Russia of provok- ing any bitter feeling in Germany. Once more I regret very much what has happened. (Signed) Nicky. TELEGRAM NINE 55 From Drondheim, The 11th (24th) of July, 1904, At 8 o'clock 20 m., evening. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Peterhof: Sincerest thanks. News of the release of Scandia will eminently help to relieve feel- ing of concern and anxiety which was settling on the country, especially on the commercial part of Germany. May you soon have good news from the front. Best love to Alice. Very cold weather here. (Signed) Willy. 56 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 10 From Hubertustock, the 8th of October (25th of September), 1904, At 6 o'clock 25 m., afternoon. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Reval: The colonel of my Wiborg regiment tele- graphed to me the fact of your kind acknowl- edgment of their bravery by the despatch of a large number of decorations. As chief I ven- ture to thank you heartily for this act and to express my pleasure at the valiant behaviour of the Wiborgs. I see by the papers that the fleet are for target practice at the well known ranges near Reval, where we passed such de- lightful days. I hope they will learn their duty soundly and introduce telescopic sights, which the Japanese have on their guns, but were wanting in the Port Arthur fleet. I sup- pose that when the ice sets in the fleet will establish their base at Libau or near Danish TELEGRAM TEN 57 coast, in the Kicege Bay, for instance, for their steam tactics and squadron drill, which is a very practical place in winter. So that when the spring comes they will be ready for the march to the East, knowing their leader, their ships and their guns, and then re-establish the Russian supremacy on the sea. I am, as every man in my country is, full of enthusiastic admiration at brave Stoessel, his gallant garri- son; may God help them to hold out. The vessels in the harbour are, of course, the main attraction for the Japanese. I hope they will make a try for the Japanese fleet, and if they manage to run down or smash or damage the four lines of battleships left to Japan, though they themselves may perish, too, they will have done their duty, shattering the strength of the Japanese sea power and pre- paring the way for the Baltic fleet's victorious success on its arrival, in winning easily against a damaged antagonist unable to repair his ships 58 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE or build new ones in time. Then the sea power is back in your hands and the Japanese land forces are at your mercy; then you sound the "general advance" for your army and the enemy. Hallali! Schebecko just brought your letter when I was finishing my telegram. Many hearty thanks. I have already given every order that Hamburg- American line is in no way to be hampered, but has free scope to do what they like. It is very sensible to keep the squadron here till the ships are thoroughly "seasoned" and till all units are ready to go out together. There is no doubt that the appearance of a strong, fresh fleet, with many numbers — though some may be older ships — will do well and decide the day in your favour; the main point is that the ships in Port Arthur must make for the Japanese and try to sink, ram or damage as many ships as they can, so as to prepare the ground for the Baltic fleet, which on arrival will only have to finish the TELEGRAM TEN 59 rest of the hostile ships off. Also I think it would he practical for you to begin ordering hne of battleships to be built, with private firms, as the Japanese have done in England. So that when in a year or two the negotiations for peace begin you can dispose of a fresh reserve to impose your will and make yourself independent of foreign intervention. Best love to Alice. (Signed) Willy. [It is difficult to say whether the Kaiser was in earnest or whether he was deliberately de- ceiving the Tsar by his fantastic advice that the bottled-up Russian fleet at Port Arthur attack the Japanese fleet and, though it be destroyed while doing it, it would so weaken the enemy that it would prepare the way for the Baltic fleet's ''victorious success'' and ''win easily against a damaged antagonist," "Then," the Kaiser goes on, "the sea power is back in your 60 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE hands and the Japanese land forces are at your mercy; then you sound the 'general advance" for your army — and the enemy — HallaliF' Even while Willy was encouraging Nicky to sally forth from Port Arthur and to send his Baltic fleet to destruction^ he was urging him to ''begin ordering a line of battleships to be built:, with private firms/" that is to say^ in Ger- many. The "divine righf" Prussian^ the tire- less plotter and intriguer against the world's peace ^ the would-be world conqueror, here re- vealed himself as a commonplace salesman try- ing to obtain orders for the iron works at Essen and the shipyards at Stettin, The medieval survival in "shining armour"" turned out an ultra-modern profiteer Q i TELEGRAM ELEVEN 61 11 From Neues Palais, The 8th (19th) of October, 1904 Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Tzarskoe, Selo: \i have information from good source that former Japanese Minister at Petersburg, Kurino, has reappeared in Europe. He is in Paris, and seems to be authorised to try to get France and England Fentente cordiale to medi- ate in favour of Japan for peace. It seems also as if the Chinese were being pushed forward by Japan to offer to mediate on their part, too. This shows that Japan is nearing the limits of its strength in men and money, and now that they have gained advantages over the Man- churian army they fancy that they can stop now and try to reap the fruits of their efforts by enticing other Powers to mix themselves in the matter and to get at Manchuria by peace con- 62 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE ference. As I know your ideas on the further development of the war, and that after a severe reverse you will, of course, never lend a hand to such a proceeding, I thought it my duty to inform you of what seems going on behind the scenes. I think the strings of all these doings lead across the Channel. (Signed) Willy. [^Throughout this correspondence the astute Wilhelm was encouraging the simple-minded Tsar to fight Japan to the bitter end. Thereby he hoped to kill two birds with one stone (and that stone not his own) , to weaken two power- ful rival empires. A weakened Japan would be unable to hinder the development of Ger- man imperialist ambitions in the Far East^ and a weakened Russia would have to submit quietly to German and Austrian aggressions in the Balkans and the Near East. In fact, Rus- sia was encouraged in every possible way to em- TELEGRAM ELEVEN 63 bark upon her hare-brained Far Eastern adven^ ture in order to weaken her position in Europe, She was encouraged to denude her Polish for- tresses of their garrisons by the promise that nothing inimical would be undertaken against her by Germany and her Austrian ally. This promise did not, however^, prevent Wilhelm^s ally from annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina early in 1908, while the Russian army was still broken down and demoralised from the joint effects of the disastrous war against Japan and domestic revolution. To understand the full import of the Kaisefs reiterated advice to his feeble-minded protege in Tsarskoe Selo concerning the war with Ja- pan, and in general concerning foreign affairs, it is necessary altvays to bear in mind the car- dinal principle of German diplomacy during the reign of Wilhelm II in relation to Russia. According to this principle, Russia is the great menace, the dark cloud that hangs over Ger- 64 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE many's future. But for Russia, France, with a population almost half as large as Germany^ s, could be easily overrun and conquered. But for Russia, all the resources of western Europe could be combined into the hands of the Hoh- enzollerns for an irresistible onslaught upon the British empire and the establishment of German world-supremacy. It is because of this dread of Russia and her mighty possibili- ties under an enlightened and liberal govern- ment that, ever since the outbreak of the Great War, German diplomacy and German intrigue have been aiming, on the one hand, at cutting off Russians outlying provinces — Poland, Lith- uania, the Baltic provinces, Ukrainia, Bessara- bia, the Caucasus — not to mention Finland — and on the other hand at stimulating all possi- ble internal elements of confusion and disin- tegration. It is because the Pan-Germans have always regarded Russia with dread, as the greatest obstacle to the realisation of their TELEGRAM ELEVEN 65 ambitions for world conquest, that they have always insisted upon the Asiatic character of Russia. According to the Pan-Germans, Rus- sia is not, and ought not to be, a European power. Russia must be, or be forced to be- come, a purely Asiatic power. For such is the interest of Germany. As an Asiatic power Russia would be clashing constantly with the British empire and Japan, and would thus be- come a tool of German ambition, instead of be- ing a hindrance and a menace. This was the arch design of German diplo- macy in relation to Russia. But in the mean- time, before the realisation of this prin- ciple and while Russia still remained a great European power, it was necessary to sow in Russian minds suspicion and distrust of France, of Japan, and above all of England — in short of all the nations that stood in the way of German ambitions. This the Kaiser was constantly striving to do in his correspondence 66 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE with the Tsar. This is also what all the Ger- man agents are trying to accomplish in Russia now^ during the Great War. And now that the United States^ too, has been forced to take up arms against the German militarist autocracy, the German agents in Russia are also trying to instil suspicion, distrust and hatred of ''capital- istic^^ America into the simple minds of the Russian masses.^ 12 From Tzarskoe Selo, The 10th of October, 1904 Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Neues Palais: Having been out shooting I could not an- swer your interesting telegram earlier. Many thanks for the information about Japan's activity in some European countries. I heard about it also, but I cannot quite make out TELEGRAM TWELVE 67 whether the strings of these doings lead across the Channel, or perhaps the Atlantic. You may be sure that Russia shall fight this war to the end, until the last Jap is driven out of Man- churia. Only then can come the talk about peace negotiations, and that solely between the two belligerents. May God help us. Hearty thanks for your loyal friendship, which I trust beyond anything. (Signed) Nicky. [^Perhaps Nicky was not so simple-minded after all. To Willy^s "I think the strings of all these doings lead across the channeV^ — England^ always England^ as the arch foe — Nicky replied that he '^cannot quite make out whether the strings lead across the channel^ or perhaps the Atlantic, ^^ Subsequent events showed the latter surmise to have been not without shrewdness, ~\ 68 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 13 From Neues Palais, The 14th (27th) of October, 1904, at 4 o'clock 28 m., night. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Tzarskoe, Selo: For some time English press has been threatening Germany on no account to allow coals to be sent to Baltic fleet now on its way out. It is not impossible that the Japanese and British governments may lodge a joint protest against our coaling your ships, coupled with a "summation" to stop further work. The result aimed at by such a threat of war would be the absolute immobility of your fleet and inability to proceed to its destination from want of fuel. This new danger would have to be faced in community by Russia and Germany together, who would both have to remind your ally, France, of obligations she has taken over in the treaty of dual alliance with you, the TELEGRAM THIRTEEN 69 "casus foederis." It is out of the question that France., on such an invitation, would try to shirk her imphcit duty toward her ally. Though Delcasse is an anglophile ''enrage," he will be wise enough to understand that the British fleet is utterly unable to save Paris. In this way a powerful combination of three of the strongest Continent Powers would be formed, to attack whom the Anglo-Japanese group would think twice before acting. The plaints of England against our coaling Russian ships are all the more frivol, as England since the beginning of the war — after making a present of two ironclads, Nishin and Kassuga, under British officers and crews, to Japan — has constantly supplied the Japanese fleet with their coals, selling them no less than thirty steamers. The naval battles fought by Togo are fought with Cardiff coals. It would, of course, be much more agreeable for us if the British were wise, and, remembering all this, 70 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE left us alone and in peace. But never will I for a moment recede before unjust threat. I am sorry for the mishap in the North Sea. If the fleet are afraid of night attacks I think the use of searchlights alone would suffice to guard the ships from being surprised if all the lights are turned on the sectors outside the fleet. The use of guns, especially in European waters, should be restricted as much as possi- ble. My news from London says that the press and mob make a noise, the Admiralty some fuss, but that government, court and society look with greatest calm at the event as an unhappiness arising from the great nerv- ousness. I have sure news from Italy that the Terni shipbuilding trust (Terni, Odero, Or- lando) are building three surfeit seagoing ironclads of 12,000 tons each for a foreign unnamed Power, probably Japan ; reminds me of my former suggestion that you ought not to forget to order new ships of the line also, so TELEGRAM THIRTEEN 71 as to be ready with some of them when war is over. They will be excellent "persuaders" during the peace negotiations. Our private firms would be most glad to receive contracts. I have attached Lamsdorff to your suite and person, as you kindly did with Schebeko for me. I am deeply sensible for your kind ap- preciation of my action toward you and Rus- sia, and assure you can always rely on my abso- lute faithful loyalty. Best love to Alice. (Signed) Willy. [In September, 1904, the Baltic fleet, under Admiral Rojestvensky, left Kronstadt for the Far East to meet the Japanese war- ships blockading Port Arthur, where the Rus- sian Asiatic fleet was bottled up. After coal- ing in Danish waters, they passed the Great Belt and proceeded down the North Sea, On the night of October 21, when over the Dogger Banks, off the northern coast of England, the 72 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE fleets mistaking a large number of fishing trawlers for Japanese torpedo boats^, fired on the latter^ sinking a trawler^ killing two men^ injuring the rest of the crew and damaging three other trawlers. The affair brought Russia and Great Britain to the verge of war. The matter was finally referred to a commis- sion of inquiry composed of five officers^ among them Rear Admiral Davis^ who re- ported on February 25^ 1905^ holding Ad- miral Rojestvensky responsible for the firing and its results^ though it absolved him and his squadron from discredit either to their military qualities or their humanity. The affair ended in an indemnity being paid by the Russian gov- ernment to the victims and the families of those killed. This telegram presents in striking combina- tion the Prussian plotter s sycophancy^ inso- lence and baseness. He would so much have liked to furnish coal to the Baltic fleet on its TELEGRAM FOURTEEN 73 voyage to destruction, but was afraid of the English press. He imagined a British-Japan- ese protest, and insinuated that France would surely be faithless to her ally. To ingratiate himself with Nicky he uttered threats against Paris, and in the same breath retailed rumours of Japanese ships being built in Italy and re- newed his former suggestion that the Tsar order battleships in Germany: ''Our private firms would be most glad to receive contracts T Timur Tamerlane chasing after commis- sions!^ 14 From Tzarskoe Selo, The 16th (28th) of October, 1904. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Neues Palais: Your telegram comes at a very serious mo- ment. I thank you heartily for it. Of course, you know the first details of North Sea incident from our admiral's telegram. Natur- 74 THE WILLY-iNICKY CORRESPONDENCE ally it changes completely the character of the event. I have no words to express my indig- nation with England's conduct. It seems that the Continental Powers in similar cases have to confront the danger of her public opinion overwhelming a more reasonable attitude of her government. The latter has to follow the wishes of the country, makes risky steps and sends thundering notes with quite unaccept- able conditions. That is the consequence of acting on the spur of the moment. To-day I ordered Lamsdorff to send to my London Am- bassador a proposition to subject the whole question to an international commission of in- quiry as laid down in The Hague Conference protocol. I agree fully with your complaints about England's behaviour concerning the coaling of our ships by German steamers, whereas she understands the rules of keeping neutrality in her own fashion. It is certainly high time to put a stop to this. The only way. TELEGRAM FOURTEEN 75 as you say, would be that Germany, Russia and France should at once unite upon an arrange- ment to abolish Anglo-Japanese arrogance and insolence. Would you like to lay down and frame the outlines of such a treaty and let me know it? As soon as accepted by us France is bound to join her ally. This combination has often come to my mind; it will mean peace and rest for the world. Best love from Ahx. (Signed) Nicky. [Weak-minded Nicky made an excellent hypnotic subject. He fell easily under the spelL In fact, the combination had often come to his mind. To crown his imbecility he believed that the plotter wanted to bring peace and rest to the world. ^ 76 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 15 From Neues Palais, The 17th (30th) of October, 1904, At 9 o'clock, evening. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Tzarskoe Selo : Best thanks for telegram. Have sent let- ter, including draft of treaty you wished for, off by imperial fieldjaeger this evening. Heard from private source that Hull fishermen have already acknowledged that they have seen for- eign steam craft among their boats, not belong- ing to their fishing fleet, which they knew not. So there has been foul play. I think the Brit- ish Embassy in Petersburg must know this news, whereto are kept from the British public till now, for fear of "blamage." Best love to Alice. (Signed) Willy. [ Willy lost no time. The draft of the treaty was ready and he sent it off in hot haste. To TELEGRAM SIXTEEN 77 frighten Nicky into equal haste, he suggested "foul play'^ which was kept secret from the British public, li 16 From Neues Palais, The 2d (15th) of November, 1904, At 4 o'clock 33 min., afternoon. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Tzarskoe Selo : From reliable source in India I am secretly informed that expedition "a la Thibet" is being quickly prepared for Afghanistan. It is meant to bring that country for once and all under British influence, if possible direct su- zerainty. The expedition is to leave end of this month. The only not English European in Afghanistan service, the director of the arms manufactory of the Emir, a German gen- tleman, has been murdered, as "preambule" to the action. The losses of the Japanese be- 78 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE fore Port Arthur are, according to my informa- tion, fifty thousand men; consequently they are beginning to get tired of the war, as they lose too many men. This has made them ask in Paris and London for mediation, and that is why these two Powers let their press renew the ventilation of the probabilities of their being able to mediate. Japan hopes to get Port Arthur and Manchuria from them, by help Congress. Am preparing answer to your kind letter, which I trust will meet your wishes. Best love to Alice. (Signed) Willy. 17 From Neues Palais, The 6th (19th) of November, 1904, At 10 o'clock 33 min., morning. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Tzarskoe Selo : Lamsdorff leaves to-night with letter. My statements about India in last telegram are TELEGRAM SEVENTEEN 79 corroborated by the speech of Lord Selbome, who alluded to Afghanistan question. I hear from trustworthy private source that authori- ties in Tokio are getting anxious at the future outlook of the war. They have expressed their mortification at not having gained a real success at Liaoyang, considering enormous loss of men, because they were without any fresh reserves. The steady pouring in of fresh battalions from Russia is quite far be- yond their expectations, as they never thought the Siberian Railway capable of keeping up the transports unremittingly. They begin to see in consequence that, though they are at an end with their cadres, and especially officers, your army is daily increasing in strength, men and striking power, and that the scales of war are slowly but surely turning against them. A Japanese general went so far to say: — "The soup we have cooked we must now eat it up." My suspicions, accordingly, that the Japanese 80 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE are trying secretly to get other Powers to medi- ate because they are now at the height of their successes have proved correct. Lansdowne has asked Hayashi to intimate to England the conditions upon which Japan would conclude peace. They were telegraphed from Tokio, but were so preposterous that even blustering Lansdowne thought them too strong and urged Hayashi to tone them down. When they made a wry face and difficulties Lansdowne added: "Of course, England will take good care that a mediaeval Russia will be kept well out of Manchuria, Korea, &c., so that de facto Japan will get all she wants." That is the point the British have in their eye when they speak of friendship and friendly mediation. France, as I hear from Japan, is already in- formed of these plans, and, of course, a party to this arrangement, taking, as usual in the new "entente cordiale," the side of England. They are going to offer you a bit of Persia as TELEGRAM SEVENTEEN 81 compensation, of course far from the shore of the Gulf — Ca va sans dire — which England means to annex herself, fearing you might get access to the warm sea, which you must by right, as Persia is bound to fall under Russian control and government. This would give either a splendid commercial opening, which England wants to debar you from. Probably your diplomatists will have reported all this to you before, but I thought, nevertheless, it my duty to inform you of all I knew, all of which are authentic serious news from absolutely trustworthy sources. Lansdowne's words are authentic too. So you see the future for your army is brightened up and soon you will be able to turn tables upon the enemy. May God grant you full success, while I continue to watch everywhere for you. Best love to Alice. (Signed) Willy. iNicky apparently was hesitating, so he was to be frightened with a new bogey — a British . 82 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE expedition into Afghanistan. At the same time Britain was pictured as plotting to save Japan from the consequences of the war,^ while France^ Russians ally, was betraying Nich- olas, Ji 18 From Tzarskoe Selo, The 7th (20th) of November, 1904, At 7 o'clock 50 min., evening. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Neues Palais: Count Lamsdorff brought me to-day your very kind and most interesting letter. Accept my heartiest thanks also for your telegram of yesterday, which brought me much informa- tion. In a very few days I will send you my answer, and I hope this affair shall be settled soon to our mutual benefit. Alix sends you best love. (Signed) Nicky. TELEGRAM NINETEEN 83 19 From Tzarskoe Selo, The 10th (23d) of November, 1904, At 12 o'clock 30 min., day. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Neues Palais : Before signing the last draft of treaty I think it advisable to let the French see it. As long as it is not signed one can make small modifi- cations in the text, whereas if already approved by us both it will seem as if we tried to enforce the treaty on France. In this case a failure might easily happen, which, I think, is neither your wish. Therefore I ask your agreement to acquaint the government of France with this project and upon getting their answer shall at once let you know by telegraph. (Signed) Nicky. 84 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 20 From Tzarskoe Selo, The 10th (23d) of November, 1904, At 12 o'clock 30 m., A. P. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Neues Palais: Hearing that the Emperor of Austria has written to you about an arrangement signed between Russia and Austria, I think it my duty to inform you also from my side. Wishing to strengthen our efforts in keeping peace and tranquillity in the Balkan affairs according to the agreement of 1897, the Emperor and I re- solved to sign a secret declaration for the observation of a loyal and strict neutrality in case one of the Empires should be in a state of war, alone and without provocation on its part, with a third country, the latter wishing to en- danger the existing status quo. Naturally this declaration does not concern anv small Balkan country, and it will last as long as Rus- TELEGRAM TWENTY-ONE 85 sia arid Austria continue their policy of peace in Southeastern Europe. Knowing your efforts for preserving general peace, I am sure this agreement shall meet your sympathy and kind consideration. (Signed) Nicky. 21 From Moschen b. Kujau, The 13th (26th) of November, 1904, At 9 o'clock 33 m., morn. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Tzarskoe Selo: Best thanks for telegram. You have given me a new proof of your perfect loyalty by de- ciding not to inform France without my agree- ment. Nevertheless, it is my firm conviction that it would be absolutely dangerous to inform France before we both have signed the treaty. It would have an effect diametrically opposed to our wishes. It is only the absolute sure 86 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE knowledge that we are both bound by treaty to lend each other mutual help that will bring the French to press upon England to remain quiet and keep the peace for fear of France's position being jeopardized. Should, however, France know that a Russian-German treaty is only projected, but still unsigned, she will im- mediately give short notice to her friend (if not secret ally) England, with whom she is bound by "entente cordiale," and inform her immedi- ately. The outcome of such information would doubtless be an instantaneous attack by the two allied Powers, England and Japan, on Germany in Europe as well as in Asia. Their enormous maritime superiority would soon make short work of my small fleet and Ger- many would be temporarily crippled. This would upset the scales of the equilibrium of the world to our mutual harm, and, later on, when you begin your peace negotiations, throw you alone on the tender mercies of Japan and TELEGRAM TWENTY-ONE 87 her jubilant and overwhelming friends. It was my special wish — and, as I understand, your intention, too — to maintain and strengthen this endangered equilibrium of the world through expressly the agreement be- tween Russia, Germany and France. That is only possible if our treaty becomes a fact be- fore, and if we are perfectly d'accord under any form. A previous information of France will lead to a catastrophe. Should you, notwith- standing, think it impossible for you to con- clude a treaty with me without the previous consent of France, then it would be a far safer alternative to abstain from concluding any treaty at all. Of course, I shall be as abso- lutely silent about our pourparlers as you will be; in the same manner as you have only in- formed Lamsdorff, so I have only spoken to Biilow, who guaranteed absolute secrecy. Our mutual relations and feelings would re- main unchanged as before, and I shall go on 88 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE trying to make myself useful to you as far as my safety will permit. Your agreement of neutrality was communicated to me by the Emperor of Austria, and I thank you for your telegram doing the same. I think it very sen- sible and it has my fullest approval. Best love. (Signed) Willy. [/ti telegram No, 19 poor Nicky showed a spark of reason^ no doubt due to representa- tions of Count Lamsdorff^ his Minister of For- eign Affairs. He would like to let the French see the draft of the treaty before he signed it. He would even have them suggest small modi- fications in the text. In any case^ he did not wish it to appear as though he were trying to force the treaty upon the French, But the plotter refused to yield an inch. It must be a plot or nothing at all, a secret treaty or no treaty. And he overwhelmed poor Nicky with TELEGRAM TWENTY-TWO 89 visions of dire catastrophe and upset of the world's equilibrium, to England's advantage and ''our mutual harm.''^ 22 From Tzarskoe Selo, The 15th (28th) of November, 1904, At 10 o'clock, night. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Neues Palais : Best thanks* for telegram. In answer to it shall send you a letter with explanations on the matter. I think a letter is safer than having to cipher long telegrams, which may attract un- necessary attention. I remain strongly of opinion that we shall come soon to a complete conformity of views on this question, which in- terests us both so much. Best thanks for your frank and kind conversations with Schebeko that he reported to me. (Signed) Nicky. 90 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 23 From Neues Palais, the 27th of November (10th of December), 1904, At 10 o'clock 22 min., evening. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Tzarskoe Selo: Your letter of the 7th, for which best thanks, has just crossed mine of same date. We must now before all come to a permanent y agreement about coaling question. This question becomes daily more and more urgent. To-day again serious news has reached me from Port Said and Cape Town; there is now no time to be lost any more. No third Power must hear even a whisper about our intentions before we have concluded the convention about the coaling business ; the consequences other- wise would be most dangerous. I, of course, place full reUance in your loyalty. (Signed) Willy. TELEGRAM TWENTY-THREE 91 [7/1 this telegram, as well as in the two that follow, there suddenly cropped up a coal- ing question. The Kaiser said that 'Hhe ques- tion becomes daily more and more urgent. , . . No third power must hear even a whisper about our intentions before we have concluded the convention about the coaling business ; the con- sequences would be most dangerous/^ And he resorted to his usual stratagem of bewilder- ing and frightening poor Nicky with vague, sinister rumours : ^'To-day again serious news has reached me from Port Said and Cape Town; There is no time to be lost any more.^' He accomplished his purpose. The very next day Nicky telegraphed back his complete agree- ment with his tormentor, and the following day he reported that he had ordered his Minister of Foreign Affairs to hand over a note to the Ger- man ambassador, declaring his complete ac- quiescence in Wilhelm^s wishes concerning the coaling question. 92 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE Is this ^^ convention about the coaling busi- ness'^ which was practically concluded on De- cember 12^ 1904, identical with the secret treaty that the Kaiser had been urging upon the Tsar since October 27, 1904? Possibly. But the internal evidence of this correspond- ence strongly points to the conclusion that the coaling convention was a proposition subsidiary to the treaty. In telegram No. 23 the Kaiser himself wrote of ''our intentions'^ (that is the larger and much more important treaty in con- templation) as distinct from the coaling ques- tion: ''No third Power, ^^ he said, "must hear even a whisper about our intentions before we have concluded the convention about the coal- ing businessJ^ A mere coaling arrangement, whatever its character, would scarcely have such dangerous consequences as Wilhelm is bringing up before Nicky^s mind. But there is further and much stronger evidence pointing in the same direction. The coaling convention TELEGRAM TWENTY-THREE 93 was practically concluded on December 12th. It is referred to again in the three subsequent despatches^ from which it appears that the ar- rangement was not working to the Tsar's satis- faction. In other ivords, poor Nicky was fooled by his dear friend^ who assured him of his '^absolute faithful loyalty^^ and that he would '^continue to watch everywhere^^ for him. On the other hand, there was no mention of the all-important treaty of alliance that was to force France into a continental combination against England until August 21, 1905, that is until after the meeting of Kaiser and Tsar at Bjorko, which took place on July 23.^ 1905. The internal evidence of these telegrams leads to the conclusion that the coaling arrangement was distinct from the treaty of alliance, and that while the former was virtually concluded on December 12, 1904, the latter was not con- cluded until the Bjorko meeting on July 23, 1905. 94 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE This conclusion is corroborated by Dr, E. J, Dillon^ the famous correspondent of the Lon- don Daily Telegraphy concerning the secret treaty. He had been made aware of it, in 1905, but he was bound by a solemn promise not to breathe a word to any one before the death of one of two personages. After a lapse of some years he was unexpectedly authorised to inform the British government of ivhat he knew, but when the authorised spokesman of that government learned the nature of the dis- closures about to be made to him, he refused to listen to them. Why? Dr. Dillon does not say, but it is perfectly plain that by that time the entente between England and Russia was ripening and the authorised spokesman of the British government preferred to take no cogni- zance of past treacheries on the part of the Tsar for fear of endangering the friendly rela- tions then forming. Dr. Dillon^ s words in ref- erence to the secret treaty: ^7 had the melan- TELEGRAM TWENTY-FOUR 95 choly privilege of reading it/^ are in themselves sufficient proof that this was no coaling ar- rangement. Thus the ^Hnnocenf^ Bjoerko meeting be- tween Kaiser and Tsar assumes an added sig- nificance and interest as illustrating the dark and devious ways by which Wilhelm operated on the feeble mind of his victim J\ 24 From Tzarskoe Selo, the 28th of November (11th of December), 1904, At 5 o'clock 5 min., A. M. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Neues Palais: Hearty thanks for your letter. Fully agree that both our governments must now come to a permanent understanding upon coaling ques- tion. Lamsdorff was to see Alvensleben this morning. You may fully rely on my loyalty 96 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE and on my wish to arrive at a speedy settle- ment of this serious question. Nicky. 25 From Tzarskoe Selo, the 29th of November (12th of December), 1904, At 7 o'clock 45 min., A. M. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Neues Palais: I have ordered my Minister of Foreign Affairs to hand over to Count Alvensleben a note declaring my complete acquiescence to your wish concerning the coaling question. Happy to report this to you. (Signed) Nicky. 26 Upon inquiring into the coaling business I learned that two agents of the Hamburg- / America line are now in Petersburg to nego- TELEGRAM TWENTY-SIX 97 tiate about the sale of the coaUng ships, but that your people refuse to buy, pretending that they have no spare crews to man the colliers. This cannot be true, and I suppose that the wish to have peace at any price is uppermost in the minds of the parties who plead impossibil- ity. For surely a few hundred sailors, with officers and engineers to match, might be taken from the Black Sea squadron, which has got to remain inactive anyway, and sent directly by steamer through the Suez Canal to Mada- gascar. They might be installed on board of the colliers long before the 3d squadron arrives in Madagascar, for which Rojestvensky will have to wait anyway, if he would avoid defeat, the second squadron being inferior to the Jap- anese naval forces. It is lucky for you that the French have at all times, even against their own interests during the German war, main- tained the point of naval law that belligerent vessels may remain in a neutral port for any 98 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE length of time and without disarming. Thus the French government are fully entitled to let the second squadron remain in Madagascar un- til the arrival of the 3d. The Russian crews for the colliers would therefore have ample time to reach Nossibe and to install themselves on board. The new manning of the colliers will give Rojestv. legitimate motive for staying in Nossibe until he is reinforced by the 3d squadron. If anybody were to advise you to let Rojest. attack the Japanese before the arri- val of reinforcements you might ask that party whether he is ready to take upon himself the responsibility for the result. Willy. [TAe Kaiser sought by every artifice to make Nicky suspicious of France, Again and again he assured him that she would most certainly succumb to British machinations and leave her Russian ally in the lurch. What actually hap- pened was precisely to the contrary. On the TELEGRAM TWENTY-SIX 99 long and painful journey from the Baltic to Tsushima, Rojestvensky's fleet stopped at one French port after another, making more or less prolonged stays for the purpose of recoaling and refitting. So now Willy insinuated that the French really deserved no particular credit for their fidelity to the Russian alliance: If they have strained their neutrality in favour of Russia, it is only because they have always ''maintained the point of naval law/' Later on, however, the wily Willy had the effrontery to assert that "your ally has notoriously left you in the lurch during the whole war, tvhereas Germany helped you as far as it could without infringing the laws of neutrality. ''} 27 Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Berlin : Admiral Rojestvensky wired yesterday for the third time that two Hamburg- America line 100 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE coaling ships have not yet received orders from their company to follow further than Mada- gascar under German flag. The agreement concerning money guarantees against war risk has been settled with the company through Mendelsson bank, but the Hamburg-America Company fears to give orders before getting in- structions from the Chancellor. Would you kindly give the necessary permission, without which the further sailing of the squadron be- comes entirely impossible? Nicky. 28 Berlin, 2 (15) Fevrier, 1905, 12 o'clock 55 m. I told you with beginning of this coaling business that I should do nothing to prevent. I can give no instructions whatever with regard to it, because it is a private enterprise. The Hamburg-America line knows the situation TELEGRAM TWENTY-EIGHT 101 and must act on their own responsibility. From this point of view I have ordered now to let Ballin know once more by wire that as for myself and my government he is at liberty to act as he thinks fit — of course at his own risks. Willy. [Here again the Kaiser combined high poli- tics with sordid business. On the one hand he urged the Tsar to buy colliers from the Ham- burg-American Line and threw suspicions upon the motives of the Russian officials who^ for whatever reason^ were disinclined to make the purchase. On the other hand, he suggested the necessity for despatching a third squadron of warships to Rojestvensky, who otherwise would surely suffer defeat. That the German government expected Rojestvensky to be de- feated in any case, with or without further re- inforcements, is proven by the fact that the two Hamburg- American Line coaling ships refused to follow the Russian fleet, under the German 102 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE flag^ further than Madagascar. Nor would Willy yield to all of Nicky^s entreaties. The coaling business had suddenly become a purely private business matter, with which he must not interfere. In other words, the Kaisefs ad- visers felt certain that the coaling ships would fall into the hands of the Japanese together with the entire fleet under Rojestvensky^s com- mand. Why then did Willy urge Nicky to risk his last ship in this mad, hazardous enterprise? Because the departure and destruction of the entire Russian Baltic fleet would leave the Ger- man navy supreme in the Baltic, in fact, with- out a rival for several years. And incident- ally, Germany, and particularly the Kaiser^s industrialist friends, would reap a fresh har- vest of orders from Russia for the construction of an entirely new Baltic fleet to replace the one lost by Rojestvensky in Japanese waters.^ TELEGRAM TWENTY-NINE 103 29 Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'AUemagne, Berlin : Micha came back to-day enchanted with your kindness and hospitahty. He repeated to me everything you wished him to tell me. The day after your letter came the American Ambassador, Mr. Meyer, asked to see me. I received him yesterday. He was instructed by the President to lay the proposition which you had written to me about. I agreed on condi- tion that the fullest secrecy be kept until Japan gave her consent to open with us preparatory negotiations. Of course, if her demands were unreasonable the discussion would be broken off. Best love from both. Nicky. 104 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 30 Swedish port north of Stockholm. I shall shortly be on my return journey and cannot pass across entrance of the Finnish Sea without sending you best love and wishes. Should it give you any pleasure to see me — either on shore or your yacht — of course am always at your disposal. I would come as simple tourist, without any fetes. Willy. {_Casually, as it were, friend Willy dropped a note to friend Nicky. He was going to pass by Nicky^s front door, and wouldnh Nicky care to see him for just a minute? On the road, or in the front yard, it didn^t matter which, but it would be such a joy, such a pleasure to the sim- ple tourist, who wished to avoid all formality and ceremony. Just a friendly chat, thafs a/Z.] TELEGRAM THIRTY-ONE 105 31 Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'Allemagne, Hernoesand : Delighted with your proposition. Would it suit you to meet at Bjoerkesund, near Vi- borg, a pleasant, quiet place, living on board our yachts? In these serious times I cannot go far from the capital. Of course, our meet- ing will be quite simple and homely. Look- ing forward with intense pleasure to see you. Nicky. [^And poor Nicky, who was having endless worries and troubles in those ^'serious times^^ of foreign war and domestic turmoil, was of course delighted at the idea. There remained only a few minor details to be arranged.^ 106 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 32 From Nyland, The 7th (20th) of July, 1905, At 1 o'clock 25 m., P. M. Most happy. Would it suit you if I arrived at your anchorage — Bjoerkesund — on Sunday (10th), 23d, evening? My yacht draws six and a half metres water; would be thankful for a trustworthy pilot to lead us through the en- trance. Please to communicate where you will anchor. Have kept the whole matter quite secret, so that my gentlemen on board even know nothing; also at home nobody in- formed. Am so delighted to be able to see you. Hope you will not be disturbed by my Nordland's Gesellschaft, who always accom- pany me since 15 years. Best love. Willy. TELEGRAM THIRTY-FOUR 107 33 Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'AUemagne, Nyland : Shall be Sunday, 10th (23d), afternoon, at Bjoerkesund. Have given orders about trustworthy pilot. Place of anchorage will be between the islands of Bjoerke and Kavitza. Till now have kept our planned meeting secret. So happy to see you. Wish you a smooth pas- sage. Best love. Nicky. 34 From Nyland, The 8th (21st) of July, 1905, At 1 o'clock 26 m., P. M. Most obliged. Expect to arrive on — rd (lOth), at 7, evening. Please let pilot meet us off Hochland. Nobody has slightest idea of meeting; only my captain, who is ordered 108 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE to keep absolute secrecy. All my guests under impression of going to Visby, in Goth- land. Am overjoyed at seeing you again. Have most important news for you. The faces of my guests will be worth seeing when they suddenly behold your yacht. A fine lark. Tableaux. Which dress for the meeting? Willy. [_The Kaiser was playing the game skil- fully, like a past master. The guests on his boat were kept in perfect ignorance of the inno- cent little escapade. The faces they will make when they behold the Russian imperial yacht — what a lark! ''Which dress for the meeting?''' Can any mind be more free from guile? Nev- ertheless, to prepare Nicky's mind for what was coming, but in the most general sort of way, the plotter added: "Have most important news for you.'' And indeed it turned out to be of great import and moment, for no sooner did TELEGRAM THIRTY-FIVE 109 the bird come than it was limed, and the secret treaty for which the crafty Potsdamite had been plotting these nine months, the treaty that was to be forced down the throat of France, the treaty that was to result in a continental coali- tion against Great Britain and raise Wilhelm to the very pinnacle of power, to the empire of the world — that treaty was at last extorted from the unsuspecting, surprised and bewil- dered Nicky, ''A fine larkF^ indeed. 35 Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'Allemagne, Nyland : Steamer with pilots shall await your arrival at south end of island Hochland 10-23 July, at sunrise. Micha will accompany me. Best love. Nicky. 110 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 36 From Danzig, The 16th (29th) of July, 1905, At 1 o'clock 28 m., P. M. My wife sends many compliments and thanks for your kind telegram. Renter tele- grams this morning announce cruise of British Channel fleet to Baltic and looking in at our ports, without paying visits of ceremony. Either England is anxious on account of our meeting or they want to frighten me. This will lend more weight to my conversation at Copenhagen. You will receive letter from me to-day. I venture to advise promulgating the Bouliguine bill as soon as possible, so that the representatives of Russian people be elected soon. Meanwhile till that has taken place the peace conference will have been opened and the conditions become known for both sides. With the actual spirit prevailing in Russia the disaffected masses would try to place the whole TELEGRAM THIRTY-SIX 111 responsibility for all disadvantageable conse- quences on your shoulders, and the successes as results of Witte's personal management. It would be excellent as a first task for these representatives, if you gave them the treaty of peace after it has been formulated, to vote upon, thus leaving the odium of the decision to the country and thereby giving the Russian people a voice in the matter of their own pros- perity, which they so much wish for. The outcome would be their work and therefore stop the mouths of the opposition. Best love to Alice. Willy. \^The arch plotters mind was disturbed, A British fleet was cruising in the Baltic^ but it paid no visit of ceremony. Had the British got wind of what passed at Bjorko? Were they afraid^ or did they mean to frighten him? At any rate he was going to Copenhagen^ appar- 112 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE ently to inform the Danish King of the fate awaiting him and his country ivhenever the arrangement consummated at Bjorko would be carried out. ''The conversation at Copen- hagen^' must also have been arranged at Bjorko, for the Kaiser wrote of it as something to which both of them were looking forward. From international embroilments the Kaiser turned to the internal affairs of Russia and ad- vised the Tsar to promulgate the Bouliguine bill as soon as possible. To understand the full meaning of this advice we must recall the disturbed condition of Russia at the time. The defeat suffered at the hands of the Jap- anese had severely shaken the Russian autoc- racy, and after the assassination of von Plehve the Tsar felt obliged to appoint the liberal Prince Sviatopolk-Mirsky as Minister of the In- terior. But the Prince proved too liberal for his master and was dismissed in February, 1905. On February 18th a reactionary in?- TELEGRAM THIRTY-SIX 113 perial manifesto reaffirmed the principle of autocracy. Bouliguine, Prince Mirskfs sue- cesser, had no knowledge of this manifesto until after its publication. He hastened to the Tsar and on the same day obtained the issue of a new rescript, stating the Tsar's intention to summon representatives of the people to aid him in the ''preparation and examination of legislative proposals^' and at the same time preserving the ''fundamental laws of the em- pire' inviolate. To carry the Tsar's promise into effect, a commission was appointed with the Tsar as its chairman. The new law (ap- parently the "Bouliguine bill" spoken of by the Kaiser) was promulgated on August 6th. The imperial Duma was to be no more than a consultative body charged with the examina- tion of legislative proposals before they reached the imperial council, but the duty and right of passing them into law was reserved to the auto- crat alone. Moreover, the members of the 114 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE Duma ivere to be elected upon a narroiv com- plicated franchise^ and, in addition, ivere placed at the mercy of the government by a clause in the law of August 6th, which em- powered the Directing Senate to suspend them or deprive them of their seats altogether. The promulgation of this mock constitution led to a furious agitation among the masses, which cul- minated in a nation-wide general strike — per- haps the most remarkable and certainly the most novel political phenomenon of modern times. Finally, the Tsar was forced to issue the manifesto of October 30th, promising a real national representation, liberty of conscience and press, and guarantees for individual lib- erty. Count Witte became the first Premier under the new Constitution, The Kaiser s advice relates to the earlier pro- posed mock parliament. It is truly Ma- chiavellian. The ivar having resulted in an uninterrupted succession of disasters, to which TELEGRAM THIRTY-SEVEN 115 the Kaiser s own advice had contributed, and a disagreeable peace being in sight, the Kaiser advised the Tsar to throw the responsibility upon the representatives of the Russian people, who had nothing whatever to say about the making of the war. The Tsar would thus save his own skin, while appearing to have made substantial concessions to the demands of the Russian people for representation and self- government,^ 37 Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Danzig: I was deeply touched by your kind letter and thank you for telegram. Have also heard about British Channel j9eet's projected appear- ance in the Baltic. Your visit to Copenhagen comes in very good time. Hope you will be pleased with 116 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE result of your conversations there. Shall im- patiently await short notice from you about visit. Best love to Victori from both. Wish you success. Nicky. [^The echoing character of Nicky^s remarks is quite amusing. The Kaiser told him of the British fleefs cruise in the Baltic, so he also heard of its projected appearance. The Kaiser said that the fleets visit would lend more weight to his conversation at Copen- hagen, so Nicky also said he would be pleased with the result of the conversations there. When the Kaiser later informed him that he thought it best not to speak of the secret alli- ance, Nicky wrote: '''You were quite right in not letting anything be known about our Alii- ance,^^ The eagerness of poor Nicky to agree in everything with his stronger-minded friend and mentor was truly pitiful.^ TELEGRAM THIRTY-EIGHT 117 38 From Sassnitz (ile of Rugen), The 2d of Aug. (22d of July), 1905, At 1 o'clock, night. Visit passed off well, under extreme kind- ness shown to me by whole family, especially by your dear old grandfather. After my arrival I soon found out through reading the press reports — Danish and foreign — that a very strong current of mistrust and apprehen- sion had been gendered against my visit, espe- cially from England. The King had been so intimidated and public opinion so worked upon that I was unable to touch the question we had agreed I had to mention to him. The British Minister, dining with one of my gentle- men, used very violent language against me, accusing me of the vilest plans and intrigues and declaring that every Englishman knew and was convinced I was working for a war with and for destruction of England. You 118 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE may imagine what stuff a man like this may have been distilhng into the minds of the Dan- ish family, court and people. I did all in my power to dispel the cloud of distrust by behav- ing quite unconcernedly and making no allu- sion to serious politics at all; also, considering the great number of channels leading from Copenhagen to London and the proverbial want of discretion at the Danish court, I was afraid to let anything be known about our alli- / ance, as it would immediately have been com- municated to London, a most impossible thing as long as the treaty is to remain secret for the present. By a long conversation with Isvol- sky, however, I was able to gather that the actual Minister of Foreign Affairs, Count Raben, and a number of persons of influence have already come to the conviction that in case of war and impending attack on the Baltic from the foreign Power, the Danes expect — their inability and helplessness to uphold even TELEGRAM THIRTY-EIGHT 119 the shadow of neutrahty against an invasion being evident — that Russia and Germany will immediately take steps to safeguard their in- terests by laying hand on Denmark and occupying it during the war. As this would in the same time guarantee the territory and future existence of dynasty and country, the Danes are slowly resigning themselves to this alternative and making up their minds accord- ingly. This being exactly what you wished and hoped for, I thought it better not to touch the subject with the Danes and refrained from making any allusions, as it is better to let the idea develop and ripen in their heads and to let them draw the final conclusions themselves, so that they will on their own accord be moved to lean upon us and fall in line with our two countries. "Tout vient a qui sait attendre." The question about Charles going to Nor- way has been arranged up to the smallest detail, England having consented to every- 120 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE thing, and there is nothing to be done any more. I talked with Charles about his pros- pects and found him very sober and without any illusions about his task. What do you say to the programme of festivities for your allies at Cowes? The whole of the Crimean veterans have been in- vited to meet former "brothers in arms" who fought with them against Russia. Very deli- cate indeed. It shows I was right when I warned you two years ago of reforming of old "Crimean combination" they are fast warming up again with a vengeance. Weather was fine. Best love to Alice. Willy. 39 Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Sassnitz : Thank you warmly for interesting details. Glad your visit went off well. You were quite TELEGRAM FORTY 121 right in not letting anything be known about our aUiance. As the question about Charles going to Norway is settled, I understand that nothing can be done. Am waiting for report from Isvolsky about question of Danish neu- trahty in its last phase. Best love from Alex- andrine. Nicky. 40 From "Wilhelmshohe," The 7th (20th) of August, 1905, At 11 o'clock 34 min., morning. My Ambassador just informed me that you have ordered the decree to be pubhshed which renders to convocation of "Great Duma" the statutes to be formed on lines somewhat simi- lar to our "Staats Rath," giving it the form of "consultative body." I beg you to accept my warmest congratulations for this great step for- ward in the development of Russia. By the V 122 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE papers I gather that in general the peace nego- tiations are going on satisfactorily, but that there are some points which offer some diffi- culty to agreement. Before you take your final decision for peace or continuation of war — latter will be of far reaching consequence, difficult to foresee to the utmost result, and will cost unlimited lives, blood and money — I should fancy it an excellent procedure if you were to submit this question to the "Great Duma" first. As it represents the people of Russia its answer would be the voice of Russia. Should it decide for peace, you are empowered by the nation to conclude peace on the proposals submitted to your delegates at Washington, and if thus Russia itself thinks that its honour is not impaired you can return your sword to its scabbard with the word of Francis I, "Tout est perdu fors Fhonneur." Nobody in your army or country or in the rest of the world has a right to blame you for TELEGRAM FORTY 123 this act. If on other hand the "Duma" thinks the proposal unacceptable and the Japanese government refuse to treat on other basis, then again it is Russia that through the voice of the "Duma" invites you its Emperor to continue the fight, thus taking the full responsibility for the whole of the consequence on itself and shielding you once for all before the world and history in the future from the reproach that you have sacrificed thousands of Russia's sons without asking the country, or even against their wishes. This will lend your personal action a grand stimulus and strength, as you will feel yourself borne by the will of the whole of your people decided to fight to the bitter end, regardless of time, losses and pri- vations, which is the only possible way to proceed if the war is to continue. I would in your place not miss this first and best oppor- tunity to decide to get into close touch with your country's feelings and wishes about peace 124 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE or war, giving the Russian people the long wished for opportunity to decide or take part in the decision relating to its future — which it has a positive right to — and also of giving the "Duma" immediately a fine opportunity to work and to show what it is able to do, and whether it comes up to the expectation every- body puts into it. The decisions which are to be taken are so terribly earnest in their con- sequences and so far reaching that it is quite impossible for any mortal sovereign to take the responsibility for them alone on his shoulders without help of his people. May God be with you. Do not forget the line advancement vis- a-vis of the guard. Willy. 41 Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Wilhelmshohe: Accept my warmest thanks for your kind TELEGRAM FORTY-ONE 125 telegram, which touched me deeply. I could not answer you before, being occupied with manoeuvres in the neighbourhood of Krasnoe Selo. The interest you take in the future con- vocation of the "Duma" gives me great pleas- ure. I believe that the loyalty and good sense of my people will be a serious help for the development of Russia in this consultative body. For the last three months I have thought much about the question of peace or war. I receive daily telegrams, letters, ad- dresses, &c., begging me not to conclude peace on hard terms. There are two points upon which every goood Russian agrees to continue the fight to the end if Japan insists on them — not an inch of our territory, not one rouble of war indemnity. And these are precisely the terms which the Japanese do not want to give way in. Nothing either will induce me to consent to these two demands. Therefore there is no hope for peace for the present. 126 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE You know how I hate bloodshed, but still it is preferable to an ignominious peace, when the faith in oneself, in one's fatherland, would be scattered to pieces. Perhaps to-morrow this question will be decided. I am ready to carry the whole responsibility myself, my conscience being clear, and knowing the great bulk of my people backing me up. I am perfectly aware of the immense seriousness of the moment I am living in, but I cannot act otherwise. Thank you for the interest you take in my trou- bles. Best love from Alix. Nicky. 42 Homburg Schloss, September 4th. Witte is, as I hear, on his return journey. Would you allow him to visit me "en passant" on his way to Russia, as I intend decorating ^ him on account of the coming into existence of the treaty of commerce, which he concluded TELEGRAM FORTY-THREE 127 last year with Biilow. Happy cruise. Our manoeuvres most interesting in lovely coun- try, but very wet. Best love to Alix. Willy. 43 Rominten, September 11th. Sa Majeste FEmpereur: By your kind order Witte will be here on 26-13 m. Isheinformedof our treaty? Am I to tell him about it if he is not? Best love to Alix. Killed four stags here, nothing espe- cially big. Weather cool and fine. Waid- manns Heil. Willy. 44 Sa Majeste I'Empereur: Rominten : Till now the Grand Duke Nicholas, the War Minister, the chief of General Staff and Lams- 128 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE dorjfF are informed about treaty. Have noth- ing against your telling Witte about it. En- joying my stay on the Polar Star; dry, fine weather. Best love from Alix. Waidmanns Dank. p^K^KY. 45 Cablegrams from Washington brought me news of the agreement of the conference on preliminaries of peace, by which the final con- clusion of peace is, it seems, at last guaranteed. May I express my most heartful compliments that a solution has been found which enables Russia to emerge with full honour out of the war and which pays tribute in every respect to the gallantry of your army as your constancy in vindicating Russia's rights and national honour? I hear Japan has conceded all your demands. President Roosevelt, I hear, has made nearly superhuman efforts to induce TELEGRAM FORTY-SIX 129 Japan to give way. He has really done a great work for your country and the whole world. The more so as I heard from him that England positively refused to budge a finger to help him in working upon their allies, the Japanese, to give way to his demands. Once more sincer- est compliment. I am glad if I have been able to be of any use to you in this time. Best love to Alix. Willy. ['^'Waidmanns HeiV^ means '^Huntman^s Greetings'^ which the Tsar echoed^ as usuaL^ 46 Gluchburgostsee, September 29th. The working of treaty does not — as we agreed at Bjorko — collide with the Franco- Russian Alliance, provided, of course, the lat- ter is not aimed directly at my country. On 130 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE the other hand, the obhgations of Russia to- ward France can only go so far as France merits them through her behaviour. Your ally has notoriously left you in the lurch dur- ing the whole war, whereas Germany helped you in every way as far as it could without infringing the laws of neutrality. That puts Russia morally also under obligations to us; do ut des. Meanwhile the indiscretions of Delcasse have shown the world that though France is your ally she nevertheless made an agreement with England and was on the verge of surprising Germany, with British help, in the middle of peace, while I was doing my best to you and your country, her ally. This is an experiment which she must not repeat again and against a repetition of which I must expect you to guard me. I fully agree with you that it will cost time, labour and patience to induce France to join us both, but the reasonable people will in future make themselves heard TELEGRAM FORTY-SIX 131 and felt. Our Moroccan business is regulated to entire satisfaction, so that the air is free for better understanding between us. Our treaty is a very good base to build upon. We joined hands and signed before God, who heard our vows. I therefore think that the treaty can well come into existence. But if you wish any changes in the words or clauses or provisions for the future or different emergencies — as for instance, the absolute refusal of France, which is improbable — I gladly await any proposals you will think fit to lay before me. Till these have been laid before me and are agreed upon the treaty must be adhered to by us as it is. The whole of your influential press, Nowosti Nowie Wremja, Russj, etc., have since a fortnight become vio- lently anti-German and pro-British. Partly they are bought by heavy sums of British money no doubt. Still it makes my people very chary and does great harm to the rela- 132 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE tions newly growing between our countries. All these occurrences show that times are trou- bled and that we must have clear courses to steer; the treaty we signed is a means of keep- ing straight, without interfering with your al- liance as such. What is signed is signed, and God is our testator. I shall await your pro- posals. Best love to Alix. Willy. [_Now that peace had been concluded with Japan^ the Tsar seemed to pick up some cour- age and ceased to be a mere colourless echo of Wilhelm. The statement that France^ in the midst of peace, ^^was on the verge of surprising Ger- many, with British help^^ vjas a shameless in* vention on the part of the Kaiser, Equally non-existent were the indiscretions of Delcasse, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, since 1889, What actually happened was a gross TELEGRAM FORTY-SIX 133 provocation of France by the Kaiser in his visit to Fez, a provocation which he repeated later at Agadir. Both exploits were equally spec- tacular and equally futile. The course of events in relation to Delcasse and Morocco during the time covered by the present corre- spondence, was as follows : The clash at Fashoda between Col. Mar- chand and Lord Kitchener, which demon- strated the danger of colonial complications, and the entrance of Russia upon the Japanese war, which left France without an effective ally in Europe, proved to British as well as to French statesmen the urgent necessity of arriving at a complete mutual understanding, particularly in view of the ambitions and intrigues of the Kaiser. The result was the general agreement between France and England of April 8, 1904. All minor disputes were settled. France recognised the British occupation of Egypt and gave her a free hand in that coun- 134 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE try. And Britain in return granted to France similar rights in Morocco. With regard to Morocco, Germany had declared that her inter- ests there were purely commerciaL In Jan- uary, 1905, a French diplomatic mission ar- rived in Fez and presented to the Sultan a com- prehensive programme of reforms, practically taking away from him every independent power. When France thus demonstrated her intention to establish a protectorate over Mo- rocco, the Kaiser resorted to a theatrical coup. On March 31, he suddenly arrived in Tangier and proclaimed his determination to protect German interests in Morocco as well as the in- dependent authority of the Sultan. Two months later the German Minister to Portugal, Count von Tattenbach, came to Fez with the double object of gaining special privileges for Germany and defeating the French plans. On May 28 the Sultan rejected the entire French reform programme and demanded the holding TELEGRAM FORTY-SIX 135 of an international conference regarding Mo- rocco. As a result, the conference of Alge- ceiras was called. It opened January 16, 1906. The act of agreement was signed April 7, 1906, and was proclaimed January 22, 1907. At this conference the previous French agreement with England and Spain was partially nullified; nevertheless Germany suffered a diplomatic defeat, Austria alone sup- porting her claims. France was given powers which, by liberal interpretation, were capable of being extended into a right of complete control over Morocco. Eventually they were so extended. But meanwhile, shortly after the refection of the French demands by the Moorish sultan, the Kaiser played another of his characteristic, spectacular, but fruitless coups. The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Theophile Del- casse, had earned his bitter hatred both because of the entente with England, his Morocco 136 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE policy^ and his success in conciliating Italy and establishing cordial relations with her^ thereby weakening the Triple Alliance, By a brutal threat of war against France, the Kaiser forced upon the Rouvier cabinet the retirement of M, Delcasse on June 6, 1905, On the same date Count von Billow, the Imperial Chancellor, was raised by his master to the rank of Prince, apparently as a reward for the humiliation im- posed upon France, The policy of France in Morocco has been misunderstood in various quarters. It was by no means due entirely, or even principally, to greed for colonial expansion. The primary motive of this policy has been to keep Ger- many out of Morocco, France could not af- ford to have so dangerous a neighbour on her North African flank,^ TELEGRAM FORTY-SEVEN 137 47 Hohenzollern, September 30th. Sa Majeste TEmpereur, Gliicksburg: As Fritz Leopold arrives on Sunday to pre- sent himself, after having been under fire on several occasions, may I decorate him with the St. Georges Cross of fourth class? General Linievitch reported to me about his coolness and excellent behaviour in several affairs in May last. Best love. Nicky. 48 Kiel, 13 Octobre, 1905, Peterhof, 30 September, 1905. Sa Majeste FEmpereur: Most touched and thankful for your kind intention. I envy him this coveted decora- tion ; best love. Horrible weather. Willy. 138 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 49 From Neues Palais, 2-15 X. 2. 27. So glad to know my brother-in-law, back from war, under your roof. Many thanks once more for the great honour of St. George Cross. It seems that the . . . arch mis- chiefmaker of Europe in London is at work again. The revelations of Delcasse, notwith- standing which terribly compromised him and his government, as planning war against our friendly nation in peace. Like brigands in a wood, he has sent Benkendorif — your Ambas- sador — to Copenhagen on a clandestine mis- sion to your mother with the instructions to win her over to influence you for a policy against me. The Foreign Office in London knows about his journey, which is denied at your Embassy there. I may, of course, be misinformed, but the extraordinary behaviour of England leads me to think that it cannot do TELEGRAM FORTY-NINE 139 harm to inform you at all events. It is pe- culiar that your Ambassador should lend him- self to such tricks, as they are bound to be found out, thereby creating fresh excitement, of which I think we had quite enough lately. Best love. Weather horrible. ^ILLY. l^Here again the Kaiser repeated the utterly unfounded accusation against M. Delcasse as well as against King Edward, that they were planning war against peaceful Germany. Ap- parently Wilhelm had come to regard the age- long quarrel between France and England not merely as an asset, but as a vested interest of Prussia, an interest that was violated by the friendly settlement of the quarrel. As regards the accusation concerning Benkendorff^s mis- sion to Copenhagen, Wilhelm himself was by no means sure of its truthfulness — "/ may of course be misinformed/^ he said — yet he com- 140 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE pared King Edward to a ''brigand in a woodF^ What words are fit to characterize the conduct of a monarch so unscrupulous and irresponsi- ble?} 50 Sa Majeste I'Empereur, Neues Palais: Best thanks for your telegrams. Benken- dorff by my permission, as my mother invited him to come as a friend of the Danish family. What sort of conversation went on I certainly do not know. But I can resolutely assure you that nothing can influence me except the in- terest, safeguard and honour of my country. Benkendorff is a loyal subject and a real gen- tleman. I know he would never lend him- self to any false tricks even if they came from the "great mischief maker" himself. Del- casse's revelations are extraordinary, but I TELEGRAM FIFTY 141 think Billow's conversations with some news- paper correspondents have not helped much to clear up the situation. I shall write to you soon. Fritz Leopold looks brown; very well. Best love from both. Nicky. [^For the first time the Tsar assumed an al- most independent tone. He defended Benk- endorff, and matched Delcasses revelations with Billow's conversations. And the ques- tion naturally arises^ was his faithful echoing of every wish and word of Wilhelm up till that time^ mere playing and shamming^ owing to his fear of the rattling of the Prussian sword while he was preoccupied with the Japanese war?l^ 142 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 51 Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Homburg : Very kind of you to wish to see Witte and decorate him. Are enjoying our cruise; have luckily fine, cool weather. Best love from all. Nicky. 52 From Neues Palais, 12-26 XL, 1905. Thanks for letter. Shall reply after hear- ing Chancellor. Your information about Tat- tenbach incorrect. He has acted ''en con- cert" with his friend colleague the whole time, and they have both left Fez a while ago. I quite agree that complications should by all means be avoided in or near Europe. There is no fear of any arising in or about Morocco ; but Macedonia and the Balkans are much more TELEGRAM FIFTY-TWO 143 dangerous, and the naval demonstration against Turkey in this moment may lead to most unexpected consequences should the "amour propre" of the Islamitic world resent the pressure brought to bear upon their master. The work of the "Crimean combine" is to be detected here. Willy. It he naval demonstration against Turkey toward the end of 1906 was resorted to by the European powers in order to compel the Sultan to submit to a series of demands looking to im- provement of the finances in the three Mace- donian vilayets of Saloniki, Monastir, and Kos- sovo. They also insisted upon the appoint- ment of a board of six commissioners, one for each Power, to superintend the execution of the reforms. As with all Balkan reform schemes, the present scheme was far from adequate, and there was but slight harmony among the Great Powers, Germany and Austria-Hungary pre- 144 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE f erred to interfere as little as possible with the administration of the vilayets^ while Russia^ backed by France and Great Britain^ wished to go much further. In these circumstances any reference by Wilhelm to the ''Crimean Com- bine^^ was bound to fall on barren ground.^ 53 19, XL, '05. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Neues Palais: Best thanks for your kind letter, that gave me great pleasure. Our alliance with France is a defensive one. Think the declaration I sent you could remain in force until France accepts our new agreement. I will certainly do all in my power to bring the Morocco con- ference to a general understanding. Best love from us both. Nicky. TELEGRAM FIFTY-FOUR 145 [Apparently the Tsar ivas now insisting upon a modification of the secret treaty with Wilhelm^ saying that the declaration embody- ing his modifications could remain in force until France was willing to join,^ 54 25, XL, '05. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Berlin : Fliigel Adjutant Schebeko must receive a new nomination. I propose to replace him by Colonel Tatischeff of my Guard Hussars. He was a long time with Uncle Wladimir, has been often in Berlin, speaks very good German. I intend to promote him general of the suite on my namesday, and with your approval to at- tach him to your person. At the same time I would like to know whether you find it nec- essary we should again name special militarjr 146 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE attaches except Lamsdorff and Tatischeff. Best love from Alix. Nicky. 55 From Neues Palais, 30th of November (13 of December), 1905, At 8:20 morn. Colonel Tatischeff you propose to attach to my person shall be welcome. Respecting your question about the special military at- taches, besides those "a la suite" of our re- spective persons, I think it practical they should be created. Formerly it was always so. It places the personal attaches into precarious and difficult positions if they are to do their "trade" in the same time they are in the staff of the sovereigns. They must be reserved for this honour alone and only gather and transmit loyally the official military or confidential infor- mations they receive from the sovereign, or by TELEGRAM FIFTY-SIX 147 the sovereign's permission from the official mil- itary authorities. They must be persons of blameless character, upon whom the sovereigns can implicitly rely and enjoy the fullest confi- dence of the officers of the respective Imperial headquarters, to whom they are to belong. This implied that they should have nothing whatever to do with the usual "trade" of the simple military agent. Werder's position with your grandfather is a good example how it ought to be. Best love to Alix. Willy. 56 VI. 10, 1906; IV. 27 (sic). Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Berlin : With the change of Ministry Count Lams- dorff is leaving, and I intend to replace him by Isvolsky. I am very sorry not to be able to 148 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE keep him for Berlin, but need his services now here; am sure will understand it. Have come over to Peterhof, as real summer weather has set in. Saw Tatischeff to-day, who gave me your kind messages. Best love from both. Nicky. 57 June 10 (April 27), 1906, From Strasbourg, at 6 o'clock 45 m. Sa Majeste I'Empereur, Peterhof: Thanks for information about Iswolsky, which I quite understand. Also here summer has set in; all chestnuts and lilacs are in full bloom and the air is very warm. Best love to Ahx. William. [TAe correspondence was growing palpably briefer and colder. Wilhelm thanked the TELEGRAM FIFTY-EIGHT 149 Tsar for the information about Isvolsky^s ap- pointment to the foreign office. He '''quite understands^' it^ but seemed to have little relish for it,^ 58 6. 7, '06. You know how I was looking forward to our meeting in the first of August. But things are becoming so serious that I have de- cided to disband the Duma shortly. I am sure you will understand that in these circum- stances I cannot leave my country. With sin- cere regret I have to put off my visit to your shores for a certain time. This involuntary postponement makes my impatience to see you grow. Best love from both. Nicky. [TAe first imperial duma assembled in the Winter Palace on May 10, 1906. It was dominated by the Constitutional Democratic 150 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE party (Cadets) , It came into immediate con- flict with the Crown by demanding general am- nesty for the many thousands who were lan- guishing in prison and whose efforts had made the duma possible. The address in reply to the speech from the Throne^ which was voted on May 18^ demanded the establishment of universal suffrage^ a responsible cabinet^ sup- pression of the imperial council^ political am- nesty^ equality of all classes before the law, abolition of all disabilities because of race, class or religion, reforms in the administration of public finance, education, local government and labour legislation, abolition of capital pun- ishment, and compulsory expropriation of the landlords with compensation, the land to be distributed among the peasants. These de- mands met with a flat refusal from Goremykin, who succeeded Count Witte as Premier, On July 22, the duma was dissolved by imperial edict, which fixed March 5, 1907, as the TELEGRAM FIFTY-NINE 151 date for the assembling of the new duma, to be elected upon a more complicated and restricted franchise. 2 59 From Homburg (Trondhjem), 7th (20th) July, 1906, At 10 o'clock, 55 min. I deeply deplore that we cannot meet but fully understand your reason that prevents you leaving your country in this moment. I fer- vently hope that we may meet later on in quieter times. God be with you and preserve you. Best love to Alice. Willy. 60 From Wilhelmshohe, 3 (16) of August, 1906, 6 o'clock, 5 m., evening. Uncle Bertie's visit has passed off most sat- isfactorily. He is looking well and seems to 152 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE be in good spirits. We both agreed that the maintenance of friendly relations between our two countries is not only a blessing for them, but also for all other nations. I most sin- cerely hope that the exchange of views between uncle and myself, which all go towards the confirmation of the world's peace, might be of benefit to you and your great empire. Willy, 61 Wilhelmshohe, 4 August, 1906. I express my warmest thanks for your kind telegram. The maintenance of friendly rela- tions between Germany and England is an ab- solute necessity for the world. I am pleased about this result of Uncle Bertie's visit. Nicky. TELEGRAM SIXTY-THREE 153 62 S. M. TEmpereur, Berlin,23, 8, 1906: Having received Tatischeff's report about your opinion of Boris' presence of war army manoeuvres, I recall him from the frontier. Fondest love. Nicky. 63 From Travemunde, The 17th (30th) of June, 1907, At 11 o'clock 25 m., night. I received by Tatischeff your kind proposal to come to Swinemiinde about the sixth of Au- gust, leaving Peterhof the fourth. I am very thankful for this intention, but if it were fea- sible for you to arrive already the third I should prefer this day, as I have already fixed an inspection programme for myself begin- ning with the sixth of August, which cannot 154 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE be changed without arousing pubHc attention, I also heard by Captain Hintze that you were able to come between the twenty-third of July and the fourteenth of August, and I hope the third will not be inconvenient to you. Please let me know if the third suits you then. I shall propose by Captain Hintze particulars for our meeting, to which I look forward with heartful expectation. William. 64 Peterhof, 18 VI. (1 VIIL), 1907. Sa Majeste FEmpereur, Travemiinde: Agree with pleasure to arrive on the third of August, new style. For me also it is most convenient. Shall be thankful for particu- lars sent through Hintze. Wish you a smooth, agreeable cruise in the north. Nicky. TELEGRAM SIXTY-FIVE 155 65 2 VIII., 1907. Meeting with Uncle Bertie satisfactory. Uncle in good humour and peacefully dis- posed. Visibly impressed by the in Macedonia. Thinks joint remonstrances in Athens necessary. When asked by the King about the actual state of Russia I was happy to inform him that I heard from you that all went well, the dismissal of the Duma by you being the same act as the dismissal of the Por- tuguese Parliament by his cousin Carlos. After several rainy days we have since yester- day beautiful weather, and made yesterday morning auto drive through the silent woods of the neighbourhood. Hope so much you found Alix in good health. Best love to her. Willy. 156 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE [TAe correspondence closed with an omi- nous comparison. The Kaiser was as anxious as ever to cause ill-feeling between the Tsar and King Edward, whom he styled the ''arch- mischiefmaker of Europe.'^ He therefore sug- gested, by indirection, that while King Ed- ward did not approve of the dismissal of the Duma, he, Wilhelm, defended the act on the ground that it was of the same nature as the dismissal of the Portuguese parliament by King Carlos. The comparison was only too true, in antecedents as well as in results. Conditions in Portugal were a repetition, on a small scale, of the conditions in the great Russian empire. The finances of the state were in a chaotic con- dition. Every year the budget showed a de- ficit. The national debt was constantly in- creasing. A large part of the expenditure was unproductive, and the public service was rotten with corruption. The working classes, peas- ants as well as artisans, were ground down with TELEGRAM SIXTY-FIVE 157 taxation. Strikes, peasant uprisings, military mutinies kept the country in constant turmoil. Elections and dissolutions of the Cortes fol- lowed each other in rapid succession. Finally the Constitution was suspended in May, 1907, and government by ministerial decrees fol- lowed, under the practical dictatorship of Dom Franco, the Premier. As a result, the King and the Crown Prince were assassinated on February 1, 1908. The second son of King Carlos succeeded him as Manoel II, but he was deposed on October 5, 1910, as the result of a revolution, and a republic was established. When Nicholas II heard the news of the as- sassination of King Carlos, and later of the de- position of Manoel and the establishment of the republic, did the comparison and justifica- tion made by his friend in Potsdam occur to his mind? It might have been better for him if it did and if he had changed his course from that advised and justified by Wilhelm. Wit- 158 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE tingly or unwittingly, the Kaisefs advice lured him to destruction, in his conduct of the war with Japan as well as in his relations with his own people.^ THE END