Why England Mistrusts Germany
Those who are not familiar with the naval happenings in England during the past year will be interested in reading the following extract from the “New International Year Book for 1908,” published by Dodd, Mead & Co.: “Naval matters aroused unusual interest and discussion in 1908, and it was asserted by many that Great Britain feared that the German fleet was to be used against her. Some English critics even went so far as to assert that Germany had a well-matured plan of invasion; that the invasion would come as a ‘bolt from the blue’ in time of peace; that the German Foreign Office already had an official note to the Powers ready, defending such an attack; that the favorite toast of German naval officers afloat is ‘The Day.’ Numerous articles have been written, and speeches made, in England, on the possibility of invasion. Criticisms of the building policy of the British Admiralty compelled the Prime Minister, Mr. Asquith, to define the ‘Two-Power Standard’ as ‘A fleet of capital ships equal to a combination of the next two most powerful foreign fleets, with an additional ten per cent as a factor of safety.’ A certain school of critics insisted that Great Britain was falling below the two-power standard. One well-known writer refused to consider any ships but those of the ‘Dreadnought’ type; and insisted that seven capital ships must be laid down immediately. Sir William White, for many years director of British naval construction, showed very clearly that these hysterical outbursts were without foundation; that England was much stronger than the two-power standard; and that there was no danger of her losing this position in the next few years. The German Chancellor, Prince von Buelow (see Germany, section on History), attempted to allay the fears of Great Britain with the assurance that the German navy is not being built for aggression; that it is solely for coast defense, and the protection of commerce. He stated on Dec. 10, 1908, that Germany would not embark on any fresh naval proposals. But England could not forget the words of the German Emperor: ‘The future of Germany lies on the sea;’ or his telegram to the Russian Emperor, directed ‘From the Admiral of the Atlantic to the Admiral of the Pacific;’ or his statement, in a now famous interview, that his country is ‘unfriendly’ to England. England’s treaty with Japan permitted her to withdraw all of her battle-ships from the Far East, and concentrate them at home, except four in the Mediterranean.”