From The Crowning Proof, The Spectator, 12 December 1914:
THE crowning proof that German intrigue and cynicism caused the war was provided in the remarkable statement which Signor Giolitti, the ex-Prime Minister, made in the Italian Chamber last Saturday. He said:-
“On August 9th, 1913, the Marquis Di San Giuliano, then Foreign Minister, sent me the following telegram: Austria has communicated to us and to Germany her intention of acting against Serbia, and defines such action as defensive, hoping to establish in regard to the Triple Alliance a casus foederis, which I regard as inapplicable. I am endeavouring to arrange with Germany for joint efforts to be made to prevent such action by Austria, but it will be necessary to say clearly that we do not consider such possible action as defensive, that we do not believe, therefore, a casus foederis exists.’ I replied: If Austria acts against Serbia it is evident that a casus foederis is not established. It is not a case of defence, because no one thinks of attacking Austria. It is necessary that Austria should be informed of this in the most formal manner, and Germany must be urged to take action to turn Austria from this very dangerous adventure.'”
Before this revelation the jig-saw picture of German guilt was already almost complete. The picture for a long time had stood out plain and forbidding, and no unprejudiced. person had been able to doubt its terrible meaning. Still, there were a few parts of the jig-saw puzzle which were missing. Most of these were supplied by the French Yellow Book, and they certainly made a startling addition to the picture. The last piece was produced by Signor Giolitti last Saturday and duly fitted into its place.
Comments