In the Service of God and Evil: A Psychological Study of the Rise and Fall of Kaiser Wilhelm Ii (Volume Ii)

By Donald Britton Conrad

At the conclusion of the dinner, Chancellor Theobald Bethmann-Hollweg opened the congratulatory part of the program with a toast to His Imperial and Royal Majesty Wilhelm II Hohenzollern, by the Grace of God, German Emperor and King of Prussia. We, the assembled here, renew our faith in a man so various that he seems guided by the Grace and hand of God. Long live our Emperor!
Hoch! Hoch! Hoch! exclaimed the guests, each one clinking his neighbors wine glass.
Due to the long list of tonights speakers, it has been agreed that each personage will limit their speeches to five minutes. At the end of the ceremonies, guests are welcome to view the many gifts presented to His Majesty in honor of his twenty-fifth anniversary.
With His Majestys permission, I wish to present Herr Andrew Carnegie from America. Herr Carnegie, a Scottish-born American is an industrialist turned philanthropist. As is well known worldwide, he built Pittsburghs Carnegie Steel Company. With his fortune made, the man of humble beginnings turned to philanthropy with special interests in education.
With unselfish thoughts, he founded the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. From his adopted Pennsylvania home, he endowed the Carnegie University and Carnegie museums. Over the years, his generosity led to the establishment of many libraries, schools, and universities in America.
In spite of his busy daily schedule, Andrew Carnegie found time to write several books, including the well received Gospel of Wealth, and dozens of magazine and newspaper articles.
It is with great pleasure that I offer the podium to Herr Andrew Carnegie.
Thank you, Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg. The Chancellor who stood a foot higher than the American bent forward to shake Carnegies hand which led to a titter among the audience.
After spreading his notepaper on the lectern, the philanthropist turned to the Emperor. Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for inviting me here today.
Wilhelm nodded several times exposing a broad grin.
Carnegies carefully trimmed white beard glowed under a dozen closely placed incandescent lights. The audience saw a kindly, old mans face that looked more like a favorite uncle that a millionaire.
I bring greetings and congratulations to His Majesty from the great metropolis of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania populated by a half-million German descendents. His voice revealed a hint of Scottish burr.
The worlds greatest steel producing center lies between the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers that join to create the great Ohio River that opened the West to adventurous Americans.
At the time Germany was unified in 1871, Pittsburgh was a village of 75,000 inhabitants. Today, it is a thriving metropolis, the fifth largest city in the United States. It was steel that created work for thousands of families. Steel provided them with schools, hospitals, fine roads and tall buildings.
At the same time we learned that Berlin was on a parallel growth pattern. I believe that such growth is the result of peace throughout both lands. We can all agree that war is absent as economic growth brings full bellies and general happiness to the people.
The audience shouted, Hoch! Hoch! Hoch!
I want to share with you a secret Ive kept for many years. I am not only an industrialist, I am a preacher.
The audience fell silent awaiting an explanation from the diminutive elder.
Yes, dear friends I am a preacher, but a very special type. I preach peace. I preach the peace that our Lord Jesus Christ desired for all mankind. As I turn and face his Majesty Wilhelm II, I see a man who also preaches peace for the world.
When I first met the Emperor a decade ago, he told me that Europe is too small to be divided into so many small states. He said that he had long considered a plan for a federation of Europe. I asked him what such a scheme would accomplish.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781479776917

Donald Britton Conrad

Born a decade after the Armistice, the author became acquainted with many veterans. He listened intently to the Doughboy’s tales, humorous and heart rending. The author has a B.S. in Social Science, an M.A. in History, a M.S. in Counseling Psychology, and a retired Fellow of The British Gemmological Association. After graduate school, he published numerous World War I articles. He currently has a military article awaiting publication. He served in the Korean Conflict. His family served in the Civil War, World War I and II. Several of his oil paintings hang in The South Carolina Military Museum in Greenville. Portraits of Generals Pershing, Foch and Haig are among them. In January 1995, Mr. Conrad received recognition as an “Honorary ‘Buddy’ Member” of the Veterans of World War I of the U.S.A., Inc.

Book preview

In The Service Of God And Evil

A Psychological Study Of

The Rise And Fall Of Kaiser Wilhelm II

(Volume II)

A Novel

By

Donald Britton Conrad, B.S., M.A., M.S., FGA.

This book is a work of fiction. References to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or localities, strive for authenticity, are fictitious. All other characters, all incidents, and dialogue arise from the author’s imagination and are not real.

Copyright © 2013 by Donald Britton Conrad.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-4797-7690-0

                Ebook           978-1-4797-7691-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Contents

Author’s Note

Part 3

In the Service of Evil

Economists Meet in England

Enemy Alliances Plot

Hapsburg Circle

Conspirators’ Circle

Potsdam Circle

The Ultimatum

The Servian Response

Circle of Deception

The Kaiser’s Dream

Von Moltke’s War Circle

Dealing With Indecision

The Kaiser Meets von Kluck

Moltke Sets Up Headquarters in Luxembourg

Prittwitz Fails the Test

Part 4

Blood on the Moon

Der Tag

Mons

The Fortnight that Wasn’t

The Turn

March to the Marne

Von Kluck Crosses the Marne

Battle of the Ourcq

Hentsch Visits Front Lines

Retreat

The Broken Circle

Abdication

Flight

Epilogue

About the Author

To: my wife, Taf, a person of grace, great intelligence,

and persuasion.

To: my daughter Carole and my son Donald who edited this manuscript.

Author’s Note

In 1933, Chancellor Adolf Hitler ordered all copies of this book be appropriated and destroyed.

In 1955, two volumes, discovered in a French farmhouse, in Bitche, Lorraine, found their way to a printer.

After extensive genealogical research of its characters, the book is now available to the public.

Part 3

In the Service of Evil

Economists Meet in England

1913

A long the gray wooden fence, several Guernsey cows stood contemplating the arrival of a half-dozen touring cars. Thinking the noisy vehicles brought them fresh hay the animals began bawling loudly.

Disappointed, when the automobiles disappeared behind a nearby fieldstone farmhouse, the cows silently continued their grass nibbling. A couple of frisky calves ran in the damp meadow jumping and clicking their heels.

The thatched-roofed farmhouse was the main style found in Devonshire. In fact, it was for this reason that the men in dark suits felt most inconspicuous to prying eyes. A middle-aged woman clad in simple farm dress greeted them at the front door. Without ceremony, she led them into a large dining room the floors of which consisted of heavily oiled pine planks. The woman pointed to wall hooks on which the visitors deposited their hats and overcoats.

Finding a variety of chair styles, the men seated themselves around an oblong table covered with green cloth and began quietly chatting amongst themselves in English and French. One person’s speech occasionally included distinct Russian idioms.

Near the stone hearth lay a curled up, yellow tabby that seemed unperturbed by the strangers. One of the visitors leaned over the sleeping form and cooed, Hello little kitty. Receiving no reaction, the man returned to his comrades.

A thin, golden sunbeam played upon a crystal bowl at the center of the table. The hostess who waited in an alcove went to the window and pulled down a ragged shade blocking outside light and possible spying eyes.

After a few moments, a tall, smooth shaven, dark haired, rather suave gentleman entered and everyone stood up. He walked past each person and shook their hands while offering to each a few bon mots.

Good morning, honored professors of economics. Thank you for being here. I am George Bacon, Undersecretary for Commerce. My regular secretary has a severe case of influenza and is bedridden. The doctors fear he has taken a turn for the worse. I am concerned about him. My assistant this morning is Lawrence Courtney who will take notes of our proceedings He speaks German, French, Russian and a half dozen other languages. Mr. Courtney has graciously volunteered to join us at my last minute request.

The Prime Minister selected you gentlemen to attend today’s meeting because he believes you to be the most knowledgeable economists in England and Europe. I feel certain that each of you knows your colleagues here today. Just the same, for the record, today we have Professor John Lambner of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Victor Entaille of the Sorbonne in Paris, and Professor Leo Yamarov of Lumonosov University in Moscow.

The guests stood up and patted each other on the back.

With a slight Scottish intonation, Lambner said, Good morning, everyone!

"Bon jour!" laughed his French counterpart. Bowing deeply, the Russian exclaimed, "Dobrahyeee ootrah!"

Now then, gentlemen, please be seated. The Prime Minister has requested your presence at this conference in Devonshire, and particularly in this out-of-the-way hamlet of Sticklepath, because of the top-secret nature of our conversations. The main topic of concern to us is what positive or negative effects do recent German economic successes have upon the relations among Great Britain, France and Russia? You are to feel free to express the results of your research as professionals and to answer any questions my government has to offer.

"I jest a bit, but I trust that today’s discussion of the so-called ‘Dismal Science’ will lead us to conclusions that, for each of our country’s economic outlook, is not gloomy in the least. However, I warn you again that this meeting and its results are top secret. Are there any questions?"

No one responded.

"This session will begin in a few minutes. In the meantime, tea, coffee and biscuits will be available on the buffet at the end of the room. Cigars, cigarettes are within reach on this table. If you need to visit the lieu d’aisance, or as we Brits call it, the loo, one does not have to raise one’s hand to ask for permission. Simply rise and leave the room."

Everyone laughed.

At that point, the dining room door opened and two uniformed guards proceeded to set the table with cups and saucers that had seen their best days. Two soldiers placed assorted sweet buns and two urns containing hot coffee and tea upon the buffet. Finished, they quickly left the meeting room.

Rubbing his hands, the Undersecretary said, I truly appreciate your kindness in leaving your very busy academic lives to spend a few hours with me. Right up front, I will tell you that my office requires the latest thoughts on economics. We need the input of England, France and Russia, as a team, so to speak, if we are to plan to meet our commercial strategies for the next decade.

First off, Professor John Lambner will give us his outlook on current economics from the British point of view.

After lighting a cigar, Lambner reorganized several sheets of notepaper that lay before him. His large girth and puffed rosy cheeks gave him the appearance of a caricature of John Bull. He announced that his study of European economics led him to one premise. It is that each nation should be free to consolidate and build up its economic prosperity. He blew several smoke rings while gathering his thoughts.

That is to say, he continued, the right of each nation to secure its fullest economic development compatible with the wealth of its soil and its industrial capacity. Yes, colleagues, this is a natural right.

Let me begin today by stating that the aggregate of British overseas investment leads the world and is currently over ten billion pounds sterling. However, only four percent of British investment is in Europe. The remaining ninety-six percent is where it cannot suffer from war. However, gentlemen, therein lies our ‘Achilles’ heel’ that will I soon make clear to you.

Looking at each person, the Scotsman went on. No nation, in pursuing its economic development, can progress without constantly expanding its relations with other nations. A good example of this is the United States who makes the prime goal of its foreign policy to create good relations with nations great and small.

Today, the world faces a growing system of nations protecting their domestic production by taxing imported goods. We know that when cheap goods are imported, local manufacturers often cannot compete with them and cut back on their work force or go out of business.

I am mainly concerned that today’s tariffs on imported goods, though beneficial to some, tend to inflame most nations. Tariffs are viewed by so-called ‘free-traders’ as placing commerce between nations upon a footing of mere tolerance that eventually turns to complete intolerance. Tariffs cause general instability and insecurity. Britain is a prime example of free trade. My fear is that tariffs against British goods could lead to widespread British hostility and, God forbid, war!

Waving his hand, petite Professor Entaille agreed with the speaker’s point by reminding the group of the problems caused by tariffs throughout history. How many small nations suffer the lack of economic growth because of the strangle hold bully nations have over them?

His colleague, Professor Yamarov, staring at his fingernails, nodded in agreement but also suggested that the group needed concrete examples to support Lambner’s hypothesis.

Of course, my dear professor, the Scotsman replied. You recall that about ten years ago Austria pursued a merciless tariff war against Servia. The Serbs sought relief by concluding a commercial convention with Bulgaria to develop new channels for her foreign trade. It was the first time little Servia had resisted Austria’s long held commercial stranglehold on her.

Just a couple of years ago, in an abrupt counterstroke, Austria annexed the Slavic nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. If we look at a map of Europe, we find that Austria brazenly bars Servia from gaining free access to a harbor on the Adriatic Sea.

"The tariff is ruinous to Servian trade which enrages the Serbs. In short, it put a stop to Servia’s dreams of expansion. From then on, the Serbs have made plans for their special brand of revanche against Austria. This is no secret."

The Frenchman and the Russian lit up cigars and were soon competing with each other by blowing smoke rings.

In spite of the interruption, Professor Lambner continued his discussion. This mess really started at the Congress of Berlin in 1878, when Great Britain, France, Russia, Austria and Prussia agreed to the creation of the Balkan Kingdoms of Servia, Rumania, and Bulgaria. Since then, because of long standing hatred among these three groups of people, Europe has seen a number of wars in the Balkans The hateful specter of tariffs stood behind those disasters. Now the Balkan nations are constantly at each other’s throats and may one day involve major Powers in a world war!

"Oui!" Professor Entaille agreed, pounding the desk. There is nothing but trouble there! It is just one big cat fight!

Russian Professor Yamarov agreed. Yes, the Congress’ action was publicized as a commercial decision, but behind it all was the military imprint of the European Powers.

Austria-Hungary, explained Professor Entaille, immediately forced commercial agreements on Bosnia and Herzegovina. It all went well until, guess what?

I believe you suggest in your diplomatic Gallic way, said Professor Lambner, that Russia butted in when she sent agitators screaming ‘One Servia Now!’

Ahem, Yamarov coughed to gain attention. Perhaps that is true. he said in undisguised anger, However, Let us remember that Russia resents Austria’s dastardly attempt to control the Slavic people in the Balkans. It is common knowledge that the dual-monarchy is in its last stages of decay. Not for noble reasons, Germany supports Austria’s aggression. No, the Kaiser needs allies to meet a potential threat by Russia to its eastern borders.

What brings you to that conclusion? said George Bacon.

Yamarov used his napkin to dry his bitter tears. "We were tricked at Björkö by a devious Kaiser Wilhelm who sought an alliance with Russia in hopes that it would deter France from its goal of revanche for the loss of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany in 1871.

Nothing in the Björkö treaty benefited Russia."

Again, Leo halted to control his emotion. While Russia was involved in a struggle with Japan in 1905, Russia and German signed a commercial treaty that reduced a few duties on imports between the two nations. Russia now claims, and I certainly agree, that she got the short end of the stick and began to demand terms that are more favorable. Although Kaiser Wilhelm wasn’t about to budge on the changes, Germany feared Russia’s improved army would soon enable Moscow to demand better terms. Until now Germany has played a waiting game.

Yamarov pounded the table before him in order to emphasize each point he made.

The fact is, he said, The treaty was the price paid by us Russians for German neutrality in the war. The treaty, filled with a myriad of tariffs, drains Mother Russia of millions of rubles every year. I claim it enormously enriches Germany’s people. The commercial treaty has led to an increase in poverty among our peasants.

I hear that that several highly placed individuals, said Entaille, in the Russian government vow to make Germany suffer for her callous behavior. These agitators claim that the principle of give and take is not fairly applied. One chap, with whom I spoke, put it quite strongly that the treaty had reduced Russia to the role of Germany’s tributary! Yes or no, Leo?

The men stared at the Russian, whose body shifted back and forth, as he became more agitated. The Russian press, inspired by the War Ministry, has begun to brag about the headway that the war department has made in reorganizing its imperial defenses. They bluster that Russia will show the world that Muscovites are more formidable than the Germans think. The Russian Duma has voted large sums for the army and navy. It is a very dangerous time for all peaceful-thinking men. To the outsider, the Russian Bear may seem to plod slowly, but its plodding has created a revolution in commercial growth never before seen in Europe!

Professor Yamarov chuckled, "I don’t want to brag, gentlemen, but in spite of our war with Japan in 1905, Russian industrial production made a miraculous advance. Our large operating reserves of oil, especially in the Baku fields, produced five hundred million gallons last year. Pig iron has increased ten times. Coal output increased thirty percent. French investments and loans have helped Russia build new steel mills and open new oil fields! Viva la France!"

Undersecretary Bacon asked the Russian, How much has France invested in your country?

Professor Yamarov replied effusively, "This is an amazing tale! French capital investment in Russia amounted to ten billion francs. This compared to France’s total thirty billion francs invested elsewhere. France is Russia best partner! N’est-ce pas?"

Our Minister of Finance, Sergei Witte, brilliantly uses French investments for a program to expand Russian railways and in the past decade has expanded our railroad mileage by thirty percent.

Professor Lambner said, Then, I am at a loss to explain why any country with a high level of economic success would risk war. The odds are that war could cost more than it is worth.

Thank you, Leo, said the Undersecretary, for your acute analysis. He then turned to the French economist.

Now, Professor Entaille, will you please tell us about the French economic activities that affect and are affected by Germany?

"I will be delighted to do so, monsieur l’ Undersecretary!"

The professor inclined his head and placed his hands together, fingertip to fingertip. "The French believe that a nation to become economically great must continually engage in a race for markets and spheres of influence. Thus, France built up a colonial empire whose growth the Germans envy."

Credit must be given to our French leaders. Since the debacle of 1871, when Germany defeated us and grabbed our beloved Alsace-Lorraine, France’s economic recovery is miraculous. She hoarded her sources and was soon able to make loans to Russia. Our abundant financial aid led to an alliance with Russia. Gentlemen, we have financed Russian railways, Russian roads, and Russian armaments to what purpose?

Professor Yamarov clapped his hands and laughed, "Dah! It is probably to gain Russia’s friendship and to put her more deeply into debt!"

Yes, that is true, chuckled Professor Entaille. France has loaned her more than ten billion francs. It was a great risk, but in the end is worth it. At the same time, France does not want to lose her savings invested in Russia. To be honest, gentlemen, we fear the Tsar, who with a single stroke of the pen, can cancel Russia’s indebtedness. Both countries are fully affiliated financially.

Pointing to his map of Europe, Entaille explained, Frances’s colonial policy is one solely of competition, not of war. She owes her success to the efforts of her merchants who stress diplomacy in dealing with local businesses.

The professor paused to gather his thoughts. "For France, it is more than revanche. France needs ores from Lorraine. We are short of native coking coal and that is a severe handicap to the French iron and steel industry. A number of the largest French steel works were lost to Germany along with large deposits of our iron ore. Ainsi, mes amis, France is obliged to import much German coke at controlled prices. If we don’t act now, we will become the economic slaves of Kaiser Wilhelm! Thus, step one is a close understanding among France, Britain and Russia to stifle German monopolies."

Yet, Gentlemen, in spite of our loss of the Lorraine iron fields France increased its production of pig iron and steel. We French know what we are doing!

The Frenchman poured himself a glass of whisky and rested his case. The other members followed suit.

Undersecretary Bacon nodded his head in approval. He asked, What about Great Britain and Germany?

Professor Lambner, rubbing his eyes, said, I believe that an accumulation of unfortunate events and commercial envy has brought Britain and Germany to loggerheads. We all remember when Germany was a conglomerate of small states, not one which economically threatened Great Britain. We would be happy if the map again reflected the three hundred or so tiny states that once made up Germany.

"Besides, a sentimental yearning for national unity, two factors operated together to mold the many petty German states into a united nation. The spectacular part played by the Prussian army and the work of very clever capitalists, did the trick. Railways now unite the states together with bonds of steel. The Zollverein, a very powerful tariff league, was most instrumental in preparing the way for political union by 1871."

I often think how similar the history of the German unification is with that of the United States. Since their unifications, both have become economic powerhouses. After the defeat of France in 1871, and after the unification of the German Empire, the influence of two elements—the landed aristocracy and the wealthy businesses—were manifested in their demands for a protective tariff. The former demanded a high tariff on imported foodstuffs; the latter wanted a tariff to keep foreign manufactures from entering into competition with German articles in the home market.

The tabby cat arose from its resting place by the fireplace and stretched himself. He calmly sauntered over to the door and meowed softly. Yamarov stood up and walked over to the door to let the small figure depart. The cat rubbed the Russian’s leg and then quickly disappeared.

Lambner quipped, That cat most likely grew tired of our pontifications!

The Scotsman said, Thornstein Veblen, the noted American social scientist, spoke the other night in Edinburgh. He indicated that the ruling class in Berlin had intentionally manipulated customs barriers through the Zollverein in order to weld together the German race and differentiate it from its neighbors.

At any rate, German genius for applying natural science to industry coupled with German thoroughness keeps business popping. Mills and mines multiplied wealth. Huge ocean steamships carry German wares to the four corners of the earth.

In this decade, Britain’s foreign commerce exceeds Germany’s by more than one billion pounds sterling. However, since 1883, German commerce had trebled, while British commerce had not quite doubled. Of course, one can say that the Germans started with very little and now look at them!

Professor Lambner stopped to allow his information to sink into the minds of his colleagues.

In order to continue the trend, German manufacturers required a broader foreign market. By the turn of the century most of German trade was overseas.

German economists argue that the well being of Germany requires the sea be kept open to German merchant marine. Much of its population is dependent for their livelihood and work upon unrestricted imports and exports by water. Freedom of the sea and vigorous competition in the world’s markets are questions of life and death for Germany, as it is for Britain. To the surprise of everyone, in twenty-five years the German merchant marine is beginning to overtake British shipping. German businessmen recognize that the more ships that Germany possesses, the greater chance they have of shipping goods everywhere in the world!

So what? You may ask? said Lambner pointing at Secretary Bacon. To protect its merchant marine there is a crying need for a large German navy! Is this not one of my Prime Minister’s major questions about Germany? The Kaiser and Admiral Tirpitz seek to double the fleet size. It is a navy that Great Britain is beginning to fear and seeks to offset it by building bigger and better battleships. Have you gentlemen seen any of Britain’s new battleships called ‘Dreadnoughts’? I am told that they have firepower enough to sink any enemy warship in existence!

Professor Yamarov interjected, Yes, it is for we Russians just the same! We, too, need markets and we, too, need a large navy to support our enterprises.

Professor Lambner said, I recently spoke to a few British industrialists who agreed that we better wakeup and emulate German enterprise and industry in manufacturing or we might be outstripped in the commerce race.

The German iron industry, because of its improved methods, has obtained a great part of England’s trade. Today, German machinery is more efficient than that of the English. I believe we British have to retool. It will be expensive, but our future depends upon it. England abandoned the field of electricity and ceded it to America and Germany. German dyestuffs prevail. German proprietary medicines are number one in the world market. Just look at the Bayer industries. They monopolize everything from aspirin to hair gloss!

"Now, my fellow economists, how does a nation prosper? The answer, of course, is by trade, trade, and more trade. Certainly not by sitting on our derrieres and bragging about how the sun never sets on the British Empire! Trade in Great Britain in the last thirty-five years has risen steadily. Whoopee! However, German trade is five times what it was in 1870. This figure, gentlemen, is very serious one for a commercial nation like England!"

Therefore, Great Britain faces the alternative of either getting better and more efficient habits of work from its employees, new and improved machinery, and better education, or, I say this in all sincerity, fighting the Germans militarily!

Professor Entaille said, No! No! My dear colleague! God forbid it! War would bankrupt the British Isles. Come to think of it, France and Russia as well!

I agree wholeheartedly with you, Professor Entaille, said the Scotsman. There is no such thing as a little war. We face a world war! We might get lucky and stop the Germans in their tracks with the united armies of France, Russia, Italy, Great Britain and, if needed, the United States. Or, dear colleagues, we could also see the end of life in Europe, as we know it. Its a throw of the dice, I say! In my humble opinion, we Britons do not fear German militarism at this time, but only German trade and commerce. I am not a general, so I cannot comment on things of war.

My beloved Russia has just delivered itself from a terrible war with Japan, said Leo Yamarov. It cost us thousands of casualties, a loss of an entire naval fleet. Today, Russia still faces bankruptcy because of the expense of needless imperialism!

Professor Entaille said, It is true that the enormous increase of the mineral, agricultural, and manufacturing output of Germany leads to the search for more outlets for her newly accumulated wealth. We can put a dent in their efforts for foreign markets by closing their options in Morocco, Egypt, China, Middle East, and elsewhere. Actually we have made quite a bit of success in this endeavor.

Coughing on some hot tea that went down the wrong way, Professor Yamarov cried out, Remember that Germany was frustrated at the Algeciras Conference in 1906, in seeking a bigger slice of Africa! Our countries are the main culprits for putting roadblocks before German ambitions. We are all aware that Germany sought to widen its markets by getting a satisfactory agreement at the Algeciras conference. France ended up by gaining nearly complete control of her share of Morocco, the other half being controlled by Spain.

The Russian wiped his mouth with a wrinkled handkerchief and asked, So, my wise friends, would not further blocking German economic hopes anger the Germans and drive them to commit acts of war?

Silence was the answer. Instead, the others poured themselves fresh cups of coffee.

On the other hand, Professor Lambner continued, for want of markets German manufacture articles have actually cut their prices. This must make it are hard to pay wages. The manufacturers have not dared to stop the output of their goods for fear of angering workmen and bringing on labor strikes.

Professor Yamarov posed a question, I don’t quite understand why Great Britain is so frightened of little old Germany? The aggregate of British overseas investment is ten times that of Germany and so is its aggregate income.

You are absolutely correct, my friend, said Professor Lambner. In the Transvaal, the Cape, Central Africa, India, the East, in the islands of the Southern Seas, and in the Far Northwest, German and English businessmen each struggle to be first in selling their wares. Sometimes it looks as though there are more salesmen on our streets than tradesmen!

As I have pointed out, Germany’s industrial progress approaches that of Great Britain. England is first in world commerce so that all world affairs are her concern. Germany exists more and more by her world commerce and less by her home industries. However, trade figures do not make a world power. Germany yearns to reach the status of a world power. German trade competition in the world’s markets and its success is due to its pursuit of profit and not nationalism. Will nationalism move to the front burner in Germany?

"Mon dieu! Let us hope not."

Because of commercial rivalries abroad, British industry is at low ebb as far back as 1879. Commission after commission has studied the problem and concluded that the trouble was German competition.

Let me try to answer your question in greater detail, Professor Yamarov. You see, only a small percentage of British foreign and colonial investment is placed in Europe. The remaining ninety-six percent is invested where, as I have said, it could not suffer from war. This is a most important point! However, Great Britain has an Achilles’ heel! If Germany strangles industry in Great Britain, it would be like killing the head of an octopus. The tentacles would eventually wither away. Napoleon understood this and sought ways of invading the British Isles. I fear that Germany may have the similar plans. Even if they cannot invade us physically, they can do so by forcing our iron and steel industries to close down. Iron and steel are the lifeblood of the British Isles!

His colleagues yawned and grunted in agreement.

Should iron and steel industry in the British Isles fail and the efforts of Germany to build the Baghdad Railroad succeed, all of our commercial efforts could fall like a house of cards!

The Undersecretary lay back in his chair, his hands behind his head inquired, Outside of war, what can we do?

Lambner waved his finger and said, We must know what Germany plans to do. If we listen carefully, we will hear them say that they need a union that would draw neighboring nations into a single economic group. It would help lessen the distrust of Germany’s neighbors by a great civilizing enterprise.

It would be a huge customs union, supported by Kaiser Wilhelm, and would prove to the world that the foundation of the German Empire has been a necessity and could be a genuine benefit to Europe. Imagine German power in thirty years!

If they could demonstrate that the concentration of national forces had made them capable of solving great problems of civilization, then, we could no longer accuse them of merely increasing armaments, universal military service and an elaborate militarism that is sucking the marrow from the bones of all nations today. Then, they will become the new world leader.

Isn’t that a bit too theoretical? said Undersecretary Bacon.

They believe that they could transform alliance treaties into an instrument to serve the interests of peace. Imagine, a customs organization open to all friendly nations. It is possible that states united by such a customs union could then readily enter into military conventions. France’s inclusion in the proposed customs union is a major objective of Germany.

Everyone took a moment to allow Victor Entaille to fill their glasses with booze.

Let me discuss for a moment, continued Professor Lambner, the economics of iron and steel, are the backbones of Britain, France, and Russia and, of course, Germany. In the last ten years, world steel production increased from fifty million tons annually to seventy five million tons. Guess which the European power leads in this. It is Germany!

Pig iron, as you gentlemen know, is the first step in the making of steel. Mix coke with it and the miracle of steel occurs. Unfortunately, Great Britain’s pig iron output is only sixty percent of the German output. Our steel production is half that of the German production!

In 1875, Britain accounted for half of the world production of pig iron and forty percent of the world production of steel. By the new century, the British share of world production had fallen to thirty percent for pig iron and twenty-five percent for steel! Gentlemen, Britain’s iron and steel industry is on a downward spiral compared to Germany!

Yamarov stood up and shook his head a half-dozen times to limber up his stiff neck muscles. It is unimaginable that the greatest power on earth has fallen on such hard times!

But, by Heaven, said the Scotsman, British exports of steel and steel products rose twenty-five percent since the turn of the century. Hurrah! However, wait just one minute, dear friends. Germany’s export of the steel and steel products rose nearly seventy-seven percent! That, gentlemen, is an ominous sign, don’t you agree?

Yamarov sipped his whisky. He pounded the table as he drank. That is terrible news!

For years, our advantage over Europe, said the Scotsman, with slightly slurred speech, was that we possessed raw materials, production and transport far greater than most nations. It is now no longer sufficient to undersell continental iron makers at or near their own works.

As Lambner seemed willing to continue on, Professor Entaille spoke up. "Pardonnez-moi, mon ami, le professeur, mais je voudrais faire pisser!"

No one waited for a reply from the man from Edinburgh, but hurriedly left enmasse for the outdoor toilet.

Farting sounds emitting from the loo, startled the farmwoman. My Gawd! she exclaimed. The Professor Entaille emerged, buttoning up his fly. Sensing the lady’s dismay, he said "Excusez-moi, madam!"

She mumbled, Damned Frogs! They are all alike!

After a reasonable amount of conviviality, the group returned to the meeting room. They found several bottles of Scotch whisky on the table. The conference stalled until everyone filled their glasses and tasted the golden liquid. Lambner toasted the Triple Entente. Yamarov toasted the governments of England, France and Russia. Entaille slightly inebriated toasted the Follies Bergere.

Cheers! said George Bacon. Let us not lose our sense of purpose.

A refreshed Lambner took up where he left off Now, let me take us back to the tariff problem. Germany turned to economic protectionism in 1879 because they claimed cheap imports threatened her industries and agricultural interests. The dirty little secret, known to all, is that the grain duties proved an important source of revenue to fill German coffers.

Its government has encouraged the growth of gigantic industries devoted to the manufacture of iron and steel. Germany believes that anyone visiting the vast Krupp works of Essen would admit that no government would venture on a policy that interferes with the prosperity of such establishments.

The acquisition of the Lorraine ores and iron works by the German victory over France in 1871, and the creation of the German Empire heralded a burst of industrial activity never before seen in Europe!

They keep their works going at full capacity by underselling Britain’s home markets. Germany’s trade expansion was helped by its geographical proximity to developing markets in central Europe.

The undersecretary asked, What is behind Germany’s amazing success?

The professor looked surprised at what he considered a stupid question. Then, he exclaimed forcefully, Cartels! Hundreds of them formed a single syndicate. By George, the syndicate assists Germany in becoming a formidable a competitor in world export markets. Does the Undersecretary comprehend my meaning?

Bacon shrugged his shoulders.

A thoroughgoing regulation of German production and sales means that foreign competition in its home market is limited. Tariffs protect their entire iron and steel industry.

Today, about three hundred cartels exist throughout German industry. They are a monopoly of great magnitude. For example, its iron and steel industry is one huge cartel. The working of the cartels requires an assessment of each company’s works, carried out by a team of experts. The country has a number of districts and a proportion of the anticipated demand for the product concern allotted to each for distribution among the local works. Orders go to a central office. The orders go to various firms according to the established capacity of each. Payment goes to the central office, which reimburses the firms. Prices are fixed by mutual agreement among firms or by the central office.

I am not surprised, said Victor Entaille. Those damned Boche are capable of every dirty trick in the book! They are a bunch of ‘Robber Barons’!

Undersecretary Bacon blanched. I say, that is certainly not cricket!

Lambner disregarded the interruption. I, along, with a delegation of British industrialists, recently visited six German steel works. Germany has a welfare scheme for its workers. Relations between management and workers appeared friendly. Working conditions are rather good. Strikes are almost unknown.

Our delegation admired the splendid discipline maintained in the German works. Generally, we saw no slovenliness, undue haste, noises, and idling about. Most of the larger companies provided worker’s with insurance schemes for accident, sickness and pensions that helped produce a high degree of labor stability. Thus, workers feel secure in their jobs.

I fear that the prevailing inferior quality in all our products is leading to a drastic reduction in manufacturer’s profit margin. We can no longer afford to neglect means by which we secure excellence of quality and economy of production.

Free trade, though philosophically right for Britain, could mean that profit margins disappear and wages fall sharply. As it is, we British are committing economic suicide,

I can’t believe it, said Leo.

Yes, colleagues, exclaimed Lambner enunciating each syllable, ec-o-nom-ic sui-cide! Frankly, I do not see tariff protection as the nation’s salvation, but neither is free trade an unchallengeable dogma. Britain is engaged in a war, an industrial war, to be sure. It is a silent war fraught with immense significance for our nation’s destiny.

For some reason, Professor Lambner began to sneeze violently. He held his handkerchief to his mouth for several minutes. As his colleagues looked on in astonishment, the sneezing ceased.

The Scotsman shook his head. Please excuse me. Must have been some dust. Do you think the Kaiser Willy is listening to my diatribe?

Everyone laughed at the jest.

So long as Great Britain retains command of the sea, she is likely to be in a better position than any other country to secure foreign ore. It is not impossible that a great British iron industry could be built up and maintained on foreign shores alone.

Undersecretary Bacon rubbed his chin and asked, Is it possible that Germany will continue to supply us with iron and steel goods at a price below their costs of production?

No! replied the Scotsman testily as though fed up with a stupid pupil, When the time is right, German prices will skyrocket and we shall repent our folly too late and when we are at their mercy!

Failing successful pressure for government action, the British industry could attempt to reach an agreement with its competitors, but the terms are the trouble; there is no sentiment in international trading, the weakest comes off the worst. Great Britain is the weakest, because we open our doors wide and ruin our home trade. Everyone then has the chance to dump their surplus products in Britain’s home market.

Heads turned toward Leo Yamarov who shouted, "It is survival of the fittest! N’est-ce pas?"

You may very well be correct, Professor Yamarov, said Lambner, his speech more slurred. Consequence of intermittent employment has caused deterioration in the physical condition of our workmen. Workmen begin to loaf and find it hard to get back in the harness at the employer’s beck and call. Large unemployment could lead to the spread of socialism or worse in Britain. By the way, Undersecretary Bacon, have you visited our industrial workers lately?

George Bacon replied, Yes, professor I have. I concluded that the boom in shipbuilding is extraordinary. New luxury ships are hitting the waves on a regular basis. Recently, our Admiralty has placed orders for three battleships. Shipbuilding is working at full capacity. Will this upsurge in production help solve the iron and steel problem?

Lambner folded his arms. Such ups and downs in an industry are common in today’s world. You see, Undersecretary, in spite of the shipbuilding spike, the expansion of British industry in general is small. Several blast furnaces have shut down. A respected iron merchant firm in Glasgow just failed. More are teetering on the economic edge between profit and loss.

I recently compared the progress of the British and German industries and concluded that the latter’s progress had been purchased at a price and manner alien to British philosophy. That without the vast system of cartels, its almost military-like production and distribution methods, and the organized fostering of export trade by countries, the German iron and steel industries could hardly have obtained their present status. Germany is going ahead because her manufacturers and merchants organize while Britain is almost blindly standing still because her manufacturers and merchants are not organized. We have no overall national industrial policy.

Well, gentlemen, said the Undersecretary, I believe that this is a good time for us to enjoy a good, old English, country lunch. While doing so, you economists can express your succinct conclusions about today’s topics that I should bring back to Downing Street.

The secretary of the meeting, Lawrence Courtney left the room while the group stood up for a well-deserved stretch. Upon his return, the woman farmer and two men carried trays of hot food and drink.

Bacon said a prayer taken from a harvest hymn, . . . And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed and save us from all ills in this world and the next. Amen!

After a half hour of enjoying their meal and bantering about mundane things, the Undersecretary asked for their economic opinions as far as the Triple Entente and Germany are concerned.

Professor Lambner wiped his lipped with his napkin and offered to speak first.

Of course, my dear John, said Undersecretary Bacon.

This time without the benefit of notes, Lambner carefully phrased his remarks. "If Germany continues to grow economically and siphons off our foreign commerce, we will become her commercial serfs. I might also add that down the line, the United States will become the leading economic star. I fear that Britain will slowly, but surely, lose many of its dominions and its economic power to the degree that it will become a second rate industrial nation. Britain must commit herself to a strong defense against German economic pressure. That could include war!"

For a moment, there was a general discussion of Lambner’s point of view.

Victor, said the Undersecretary, What are your conclusions?

Professor Entaille, passing his hand across his brow, said, "My firm conclusion today, mes amis, is that iron, steel, coal and chemicals are the driving forces in today’s economics. Tomorrow, oil will step into a position of worldwide dominance upon which all other industries will rely. Oil resources lie deep in wells not found in many parts of the British Empire. I foresee the oil wealthy nations such as those of the Middle East and the United States will control the direction of world economics. If France, Great Britain and Russia do not act quickly they will become subservient to the oil Powers. Germany has already made its move by beginning the construction of the Berlin-to-Baghdad railway. Kaiser Wilhelm’s trips to the Near East serve to be friend his nation with Arab countries. To date, France, Britain and Russia have not invested much capital in the project. However, I will say that France is now negotiating with Germany to gain a foothold in the railway."

Economically, the Triple Entente that binds our three nations together could put a stranglehold on Germany’s cutthroat competition. If we fail, our three nations face a great depression! We must teach Germany a lesson by whatever means we possess. If it means war, then war it shall be!

Thank you, Victor. Jolly well put!

The Undersecretary motioned to Professor Yamarov to share his thoughts with the group.

"Spahsseebah, dear gentlemen! I sincerely feel that Russia is the keystone of success the world over. We have only just begun to investigate our resources in every part of our widespread nation. Our Trans-Siberian railroad will allow us to bring raw materials to the hungry maws of our factories in days as opposed to the months it has taken. We need to seek more and more markets in Asia, Africa and North and South America. The Tsar, although a close relative to Kaiser Wilhelm, fears his Pan-German motives. We know that the Kaiser desires more Lebensraum and looks with a watering mouth eastward and, I suppose, eventually to Russia. If Germany can control markets maintaining its tariffs, Russia must look to France and Britain for protection against economic disaster."

I submit that all of these economic issues we have discussed are not new. There is historical evidence that unfair economic practices existed since time immemorial. ‘There is no new thing under the sun!’ The Triple Entente is our strongest defense against German economic aggression.

The Undersecretary stood up and thanked each participant. I am certain that the Prime Minister will appreciate your economic thoughts. I will explain to him that Britain and its allies, France and Russia are engaged in an industrial war, silent and peaceful, fraught with immense significance for our nations’ destinies. He is planning a meeting with industrial leaders within a few days where he will certainly share your conclusions to the group.

Thank you and God bless you all!

Before entering their waiting vehicles, several cigar-smoking members chatted while watching the tabby cat eagerly spraying a car tire. The Russian pointed to one windshield and exclaimed, See, dear friends, a bird has shit on my automobile and the cat has pissed on the wheel! What more could happen to me? Is this perhaps an omen?

Lawrence Courtney finished typing his notes of the meeting. He placed copies of the sheets into an attaché case. All right Martin, give me your right arm.

The courier extended his arm while Courtney chained the attaché case to his wrist.

Your train leaves Victoria Station at nine o’clock tonight. You can catch the ferry at Dover. It is a two-hour trip to Calais. An intelligence officer will meet you at the pier. He will share the code words with you. You will reply with your established response.

I am ready to leave sir. What is the Intelligence officer’s name?

"Oberstleutnant Richard Hentsch."

Enemy Alliances Plot

1913

G ossiping while they swept clean their porches, three middle-aged women garbed in smocks and kerchiefs greeted the early morning sun. A light breeze furled and unfurled the Union Jack high on the Boer War Memorial pole.

They put down their brooms when they observed a number of black limousines drive up and park across the street in front of the Red Lion Inn. Men in black suits and derbies surrounded the automobiles while the passengers emerged and quickly entered the Inn. The empty vehicles roared off, their drivers in search of a secluded place in which to park.

Gawd, exclaimed one woman, It looks like an invasion of those creatures I saw in the cinema last week. Nellie, what was that flick called? Oh, yes, ‘War of the Worlds!’

Yes, Flo, agreed her neighbor, but they look more like those awful German spies we see in the comic strips!

The third woman laughed and declared that the Inn would make more money today than they had made in a month!

A tall, heavily mustached man met the guests at the inn entrance. Clad in foxhunting uniform complete with a bright red coat, white pants and black boots he looked out of place.

Good morning, Gentlemen! Welcome to the Red Lion Inn. I am William McMetz, concierge, at your service. The Inn is without guests for the entire day in order to provide you with complete secrecy. The government has provided security men throughout the building. Please follow me to our comfortable meeting room, especially arranged for your group.

McMetz led the way inside a high-ceilinged room with spacious Georgian windows, wide wooden floors and colored walls whose richness had mellowed over the years.

Once inside the meeting room the group broke up into twos and threes. The military figures retained their ramrod stiffness. Jocularity among them created a sort of esprit de corps.

Other guests appeared more casual and chatted quietly.

Unexpectedly, the double doors leading to the meeting room were open by the efforts of the red-coated concierge. Two tall, middle-aged men entered and immediately began shaking hands with the visitors. Most of the conversation was in English, spattered with a sentence or two in French.

Without waiting for instructions, each man found a chair and sat around a dark oak, oblong table made up of individual tables pushed together. It was bare except for a covering of gray felt cloth.

The two latecomers took seats at each end of the table. One of them, a tall, gaunt, clean-shaven middle-aged man called the group to order. He wore thick, blue tinted spectacles. His pale face expressed both kindness and deep sincerity that might easily remove any fear of him by onlookers.

Every member recognized him as chairperson and immediately quieted down.

A very good morning to this distinguished group! The Prime Minister has asked me as Foreign Secretary of Great Britain, to convene this meeting to discuss a practical plan that would meet potential German aggression in Europe. This is a time that tries men’s minds. I ask that you be brutally frank in your thoughts and considerations. Today, we are fortunate to have with us Horatio Kitchener and John French of Great Britain, Joseph Joffre of France, Pavel Rennenkampf of Russia, and his Majesty, King Albert of Belgium. From the British Fleet, we have Admiral Jellicoe. Admiral de Lapeyrere represents the French Fleet.

Again, the double doors swung open and a short, stocky, middle-aged man strode into the room.

"Pardon my lateness gentlemen, but I was involved in the christening ceremony of the latest addition to the British maritime fleet, His Majesty’s Ship, the Britannic, sister ship to the unfortunate Titanic."

You are excused, Admiral Jackie Fisher, laughed the Secretary.

One member stood up and said, On behalf of this group, allow me to welcome you Secretary Edward Grey and to thank you for your confidence in us.

Thank you, he replied through a tightly pinched mouth.

A giant of a man raised his hand to gain the Secretary’s attention.

Yes, General Kitchener, what is your question?

Thank you, Edward Grey! If it is at all possible, I prefer that our discussions are limited to English or French. I notice that you have assigned a recorder to take notes. Therefore, I assume that this meeting is entirely secret, especially since you ordered all of us to wear these damned civilian clothes!

A tittering brought a smile to Edward’s face. He said, Thanks ‘H.’ This meeting is strictly secret. Need I say top secret? My companion today who will take notes for me is Lieutenant Bernard Montgomery. He graduated at the top of his class at Sandhurst and I believe that he has a great future ahead of him.

I think that this meeting is acceptable to all. However, remember we are, for all practical purposes, merely having conversations. I underline the word conversations because what we decide today will have important consequences for the future of our nations. It must never be made public that our Triple Entente ever involved itself in this type of meeting.

Kitchener ejaculated in a tone that sent a laugh around the table. We know the real reason you brought the bright, young lieutenant. He probably knows how to spell!

Montgomery also laughed at Kitchener’s inanity.

By the way, continued Grey, Bernard’s family resided in Tasmania for some twenty years. His father is an Anglican bishop. I thank you Bernard for assisting me today.

Then the Secretary indicated, with palm up, that His Majesty King Albert was with the group as a participant. Your Majesty, would you care to say a few introductory words?

Standing up, the tall, handsome, young monarch said, Thank you, Edward. Gentlemen, whatever conclusions we reach today will assuredly affect the history of Europe! Let us put on our best thinking caps. God forbid, one mistake could cost us, not only our lives, but also our beloved countries! With your permission, I would like to delay my ideas until the guest speaker has concluded his remarks.

Grey said, Certainly, Your Majesty.

The King sat down and folded his arms, satisfied with his decision.

The Secretary announced, Professor Publius Decaisne is with us today. With the deductive ability of a Sherlock Holmes, the Professor has studied the German danger to Europe. I met with the Publius on several occasions in which he shared with me his diagnosis of the German military plans that if allowed to occur could lead to war.

Publius is a graduate of the Free School of Political Science in Paris. Since the turn of the century, he endeavored through his writings to draw the attention of the public to the immense danger that Germany presents by its so-called ‘Plan of German Expansion.’ In order to explain its constituent elements, direct and indirect of the nefarious plan, he lectured widely reaching more than one hundred and fifty cities and towns. Please give him your undivided attention.

Professor, Decaisne, the floor is yours.

The professor, a small, elderly man whose gray hair was in disarray, strode up to an oak lectern upon which he carefully placed his notepapers. He spoke fluent English sprinkled with an occasional French phrase whenever he wished to emphasize a point.

"Merci beaucoup, Monsieur le Secrétaire! I am delighted to be here among such an august group who I believe is deeply interested in keeping peace in Europe."

Since this meeting is limited in time, allow me to give you the gist of my findings. Details, of course, are found in my numerous books and pamphlets that I wrote over the past ten years.

What is the plan of German expansion? The Germans contend not only that all those who are generally designated German by the rest of the world should be united but brought into the German fold.

The object of the German Government is to effect the whole or partial Germanization of countries inhabited by races that are not of German stock. In fact, I claim that the object of German expansion is to disregard all questions of racial and linguistic affinity and to absorb huge tracts of country, the possession of which is useful to advance Hohenzollern interests. In other words, Germany wishes to establish a world system whose leading and immediate feature is the creation of an empire stretching from the North Sea to the Persian Gulf!

That is a serious charge, said General Joffre gravely.

I have attempted by numerous lectures to give people in high places some notion of the peril of German expansion. I have not contented myself with warning my countrymen. I have also preached a cordial understanding between France and England.

"My lectures attached enormous importance to German expansion as a decisive factor which has arisen in Germany and the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary. It is part of a grand policy to extend the boundaries of both