— 340 —
Blect.-- The use of guns—especially in European waters - should be restrieteil
as much as possible. Mv news from London say that the press and mob make
a noise, the Admiralty some fuss, but that government, court anıl society look
with greatest calm at the event as an unbappiness, arising from the great
nervousnes.—-I have sure news from Italy that the 'Terni shipbuilling trust
(Terni, Ödero, Orlaudo) are bulding 3 surfeit seagoing ironelads of 12,000 tons
each, for a foreign unnamed power—-probably Japan: reminds Me of My former
suggestion that You ougbt not to forget to order new ships of the line also, so
as t0 be ready with söme of them when war is over. They will be excellent
“persuaders” during the peace negociations; our private firms would be most
lad to receive cuntracts. I have attached Lambsdorff to Your suite and Person,
as You kindly did with Shebeko for Me. I am deeply sensible for Your kind
appreeiation of My action towards You and Russia, and assure You can always
rely on My absolute faithful loyalty.—Best love to Alice.
(signed) Willy.
14.
From Tzarsko& Selo the 16th/28th of October 1904.
Neues Palais.—Sa Majest& l’Empereur.
Your telegram comes at a very serious moment.—I thank You heartily
for it.— Of course You know the first details of North sea incident from our
admirals telegram. Naturally it changes completely the character of
the event. Ihave no words to express my indignalion with Englanda
eonduct. It seems that the continental powers, in similar cases,
have to confront the danger of her public opinion overhwelming a more
reasonable attitude of her governement. The latter has to follow the wishes of
the country, makes risky steps and sends thundering notes with quite unacceptable
eonditions.-—That is the consequence of acting on the spur of the
moment!---Today I ordered Lambsdorff to send to my London Ambassador a
proposition to subject the whole question to an international comimision of
enquiry as laid down in the Hague Conference protocole.—I agree fully with
Your eomplaints about England'‘s behaviour concerning the evaling of our
ships by german steamers whereas she understands the rules of kecping neutrality
in ber own fastion.—It is certainly higk time to’ put & stop'to this.— The
only way as You say would be that Germany, Russia and France should at
once unite upon an arrangement to abolish anglo-japanese arrogance and
insolencee. —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 hound to
join her ally. ‘This combination has often come to my mind, it will mean peace
and rest for the world.—Best love from Alix.
(signed) Nicky.
