#51

The German strategy is finalized.

The Germans took their leave to freshen up before the conference resumed. Alfred

Tirpitz asked Chancellor Bethmann if he thought that the Kaiser was well enough to

continue with the meeting.
 

“The reason I ask you this, is that my remarks about the German navy and its ability to

involve itself with the British navy might upset His Majesty and cause him permanent

mental damage. After all, if we go to war, Germany needs Wilhelm as a strong,

unflagging and unfailing leader. In my mind, there is no one currently available to replace

him.”

Theobald looked about himself and seeing no one else nearby, whispered in Alfred’s

ear, “Willy is a lot stronger than you give him credit for. Yes, he goes off the deep end on

occasion, but I find that for him, it is sort of a psychological catharsis. What sets him off

is when he meets people in the know and who do not level with him about important

issues. As long as the General Staff keeps him fully abreast of military activities for good

or ill, he will maintain a sane behavior and keep the ship on an even keel.”

From out in the hallway, they heard the Kaiser jovially shouting, “Gentlemen, what

say you that we get our asses to the table and finish this business before the second

coming of Christ!”
 

Without waiting for an introduction, Albert Tirpitz took the floor and remained

standing throughout the meeting. “When I was asked for a sea war plan, I had first to ask

myself three questions. What is the political object of the war? What are the political

conditions, and how much does the question at issue mean respectively to us and to our

adversary? These conditions determine the nature of a sea war. Thus, my staff and I have

carefully designed such a plan."
 

“The political objective of the proposed war will be to defend our territory from

enemy incursions and invasion. However, this does not mean that our navy plays a purely

defensive role. On the contrary, it is axiomatic that counter-attack is the soul of defense.

An admiral, who sees positive results ahead, must employ offensive action."
 

“At this time, the German navy has inferior strength compared to that of the British

navy. Add the Royal Navy to that of France, we find ourselves at a major disadvantage.

“We plan to follow a strategy of a judicious defensive attitude, until, at a propitious

moment, a successful counterattack will be made and an offensive movement begun. We

do not want to experience the same fate as the Spanish Armada!"
 

Willy looked from side to side. “What about morale? Is the navy willing to sit in port

while a war goes on?”

“Morale,” replied Albert, stroking his long, forked beard, “will be kept up by an alert

readiness to fight, and by frequent minor incursions which will result in clashes with an

unsuspecting enemy. Of course, many of our craft will be on active duty and as they

succeed in their hit-and-run tactics in the seven seas, the pride of the Navy will increase.”

“Hit and run tactics?” said Wilhelm. “We Germans never run!”
 

“Thank you, Sire,” laughed the Admiral. “I think I’ll use that for my naval motto! In

the Mediterranean Sea, we are prepared to work closely with Austria and Italy to rid the

Adriatic Sea of enemy shipping. I have ordered the cruisers Goeben and Breslau to the

Adriatic. On short notice, they will move toward the Strait of Gibraltar and ready to dash

about the Mediterranean. Happily, the Austrian navy has agreed to cooperate with us.

Now we are awaiting a response from the Italians.”
 

“At the outset of a conflict, we have developed important plans for a number of sea

raids that will harass shipping lanes in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. For example,

the light cruiser Emden is a unit of our German China squadron based at Tsingtao under

Admiral Maximilian von Spee. The Emden goes to the Indian Ocean to cruise at will and

destroy as much Allied shipping as possible. Along the coast of India, we will place

several cruisers, the newly finished Wolf being one of them.”
 

“In German East Africa, the Konigsberg stationed at Dar-es-Salaam, will proceed to

cover the western Indian Ocean and the east coast of Africa and do as much mischief as

possible."
 

“In the Atlantic, we have the Karlsruhe, a modern fast cruiser, available for raiding.

Currently she is “innocently” visiting American east coast ports.”

“In the south Atlantic, the Seeadler, under the command of Count Felix von Luckner,

will sink enemy shipping seeking the safety of South American harbors. He has orders to

pass around Cape Horn and attack shipping in the Pacific if good conditions prevail.”

“Strategically placed colliers, hidden from enemy eyes, will supply our cruisers with

coal and supplies. If worse comes to worse, the colliers carry owner’s papers from

Argentina and Uruguay. If stopped by a British ship, our captains will quickly raise a flag

of one of those nations. Who is to know the difference? Verdad amigos?"

 

“I have already alerted the Kaiser at our annual armed forces review that it was

admitted in naval matters, Germany was not even close to the British sea power. We

admirals all agree that Britain can only be defeated by a power that seizes permanent

command of the seas. It has to be with a fleet the same size as the Royal Navy plus

superior in big battleships."
 

“Now, gentlemen, it is obviously beyond the capacity of the current German economy

to support both a great army and a huge naval fleet that would outgrow the British.

Therefore, it seems to us that the only thing we can do is to bluff Triple Entente into

believing that we might catch up to them.” Tirpitz pointed to a large wall map. “There

have been conversations between British and French naval and army experts for the past

two years. They have spent a lot of time producing plans of naval and military operations

that France and Britain are to take jointly. The French navy is to be concentrated in the

Mediterranean and the British fleet is to cover the French northern coast.”

 

“So, Albert,” asked Wilhelm, “what is our navy up against in case of war?”

 

The admiral pulled a small notebook from his vest pocket from which he proceeded to

read the data listed therein.
 

“Currently, the British have twenty dreadnoughts with five more in the process of

construction. France has seven dreadnoughts. Add to these a total of seventy older

battleships and thirty battle cruisers in both nations. We know that the French and British

are pushing hard to increase their submarine fleet."
 

“Our Triple Alliance has a fair sized navy. Germany has sixteen dreadnoughts. Italy

and Austria can supply eight dreadnoughts. The three powers have a total of fifty-five

battleships and fifty battle cruisers. Currently, our submarine fleet is small with twenty

ships. Our ship builders are working three shifts a day building the undersea crafts.”

Wilhelm seemed to look more relaxed at the naval comparisons."
 

“Let me say at first,” continued Tirpitz, “that our Navy is not an end in itself, but

always functions in the interests of our maritime fleet. Remember, gentlemen, the flag

has to follow trade. When our victorious war is over, we will see an increase in the

import-export economy as never before.”
 

The Kaiser sat up and raised an empty glass. “Our fleet of passenger ships will

become the finest in the world! So far our steamers hold most of the world speed

records!” Then, he added jovially, “We will continue along that path, unless one of ours

hits an iceberg or two!”
 

“Don’t even suggest it!” shouted Theobald.
 

Tirpitz ignored the interruption. He folded his arms and continued in his serious

mode. “I have developed a risk theory whereby if our navy became strong enough, the

British will try to avoid a conflict with our fleet. If the two navies fight, the German navy

will lose. However, since Britain relies on her navy to maintain control over the British

Empire, I believe that they would rather keep control of their Empire, and let Germany

become a world power, than lose the empire as the cost of keeping Germany weak.

Today, Great Britain can easily deny us entrance to the North Sea and the English

Channel. If they succeed in that, Germany is in trouble!”
 

“It has been suggested that our navy might have to rely on two things: mining and

submarines. We can lay thousands of explosive mines but they are not always effective.

Submarines are new to us and I had strong reservations about their use in wartime. My

staff has been busy giving the new undersea boats stringent tests. The results exceeded

my wildest hopes. We may have a solution to meeting the threat of the smug-thinking

British. I can foresee a situation whereby German undersea boats sail to every corner of

the earth ready to sink enemy ships. If so, we might be able to starve the English in just a

few months. Now, I see submarines as our ace-in-the-hole!”
 

“Wunderbar!” shouted Wilhelm.
 

“My admirals suggest that if a major naval battle occurs, we should entice the British

toward the Skagerrak off the Danish Jutland Peninsula. In case of an emergency, it is

close to our German ports to which we can rapidly flee to safety.”
 

Moltke spoke up. “Yes, Alfred, but I expect to defeat the British army in about a

fortnight. So, if we beat the British army, why chance a sea battle? The war will be over.”

“I am glad that you are so confident, General Moltke, my old pal, but the English

army will simply slip across the Channel to the safety of their Isles. If Napoleon couldn’t

invade them, I doubt if Germany will be able to do so, either!”
 

The Kaiser looked up and announced that it was time to consider another matter. “We

have to insure that Austria-Hungary is with us one-hundred percent. Therefore, I suggest

that I visit Emperor Franz Josef and, so to speak, test the waters in Vienna. What do you

men think about that?”
 

Moltke leaned forward, his hands grasping the table’s edge. “That’s a damn fine idea,

Willy. I also believe that you should visit Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir

apparent.”
 

“Do you think that it is necessary to do that?” asked Wilhelm.

“Yes, indeed,” replied Helmuth. “Remember that the Emperor is a doddering eighty-four

or more years old! Christ, he could fall over dead at any moment! So, let’s get him to

agree with our strategy and very soon, richtig?”

During the late evening, when the conference was over, Wilhelm and Herbie walked

barefooted along the beach. The sand was cool to the soles. The topic of great German

generals arose. Although it was after nine o’clock at night, the sun was low on the

horizon and gave a golden hue to the nearby Hohenzollern. They could see crew

members busy with their chores.

Schornstein, unaffectedly, asked the Kaiser who was his favorite German general.

The Kaiser puffed on his meerschaum pipe a few times. “Let me think about that

Herbie.” He then tapped his pipe on a clamshell and the ashes disappeared in the brisk

sea wind.

 

 

“Of course,” he began, while pointing his pipe stem skyward, “our beloved Count

Helmuth von Moltke naturally takes first place. After all, his great military skill and

judgment gave us victory in three major wars in a half-dozen years. Under his guidance,

we defeated Denmark in 1864, Austria-Hungary in 1866, and France in 1871. In my

judgment, he equaled or surpassed Napoleon Bonaparte. Without von Moltke, Germany

would not exist today. Like George Washington, he united his country. Fortunately, for

us monarchs, he had no interest in becoming king. He has honored me on many occasions

by discussing his war stories and his theories of strategy and tactics. At his death, I was

inconsolable for days.”
 

Herbie sighed and said that he wished that he had known the Count.
 

Willy nodded his agreement. “You would have met a shy, retiring man who looked

more like a bürgermeister than a field marshal.”

 

“Of course, I place General Karl von Clausewitz near the top of my list. Before he

died in 1831, he wrote a three-volume masterpiece on the science of war. His books are

my bible. Any commanding officer who has not read this genius will most likely face an

early death or retirement. Have you read his work, Herbie?”

“Well Chief, I’ve planned to do so for sometime now. However, a certain monarch

keeps me so busy that I cannot find time to read more than the Berlin newspapers.”

The Kaiser chuckled so loudly that a passerby stared at him."
 

“I’ll be honest with you Herbie, if you won’t tell anyone, that there is a lot that von

Clausewitz writes that I have difficulty in comprehending. Verstehst du?”
 

“Yes, Sire,” snickered Herbie. “I understand.”

The Kaiser stopped and stared out across the softly rolling surf. “I will add a third

general, little known nowadays and that is Gebhard von Blucher.”
 

“Is he the one whose name you christened your latest heavy cruiser with?”
 

Willy nodded. “Yes, He is the very one.”

“At any rate, his timely army maneuver in 1815 caught Napoleon by surprise. But for

Blucher, Bonaparte would have avoided defeat at Waterloo. He might even have whipped

Wellington.”
 

The two men continued their walk in silence.
 

“Chief, what are your thoughts about our younger Helmuth von Moltke? I know, of

course, that he was your personal selection to lead the General Staff.”
 

“Moltke was highly recommended to me for Chief of the General Staff by many

general officers even before our great General Heinrich von Schlieffen retired from the

post.”
 

“Moltke told me that he basically supported the old general’s “swinging door” plan for

a war against France by which the German seven armies are to swing around a central

“hinge” and crush French resistance. In a way, the younger Moltke could become

Germany’s main warrior, as his uncle before him. I saw a certain anxiety in his face as he

stood before me when I announced his promotion. He knew that I had decided to retire

von Schlieffen, who was seventy-three years of age. It is a post that demands not only

great industry, but also undiminished physical energy. A younger man was needed to face

the dangers in modern Europe.”
 

The two men had reached the pathway that led to the mansion.
 

“By the way Herbie, sweetheart, we leave for Vienna in three days. Are you ready to

pack and go with me?”
 

“Chief, I never unpack. With you running around like a rooster with his head cut off, I

keep my luggage locked and ready!”
 

Willy kissed Herbie several times. “I don’t know what I would do without you, young

fellow!”
 

The next morning, the group prepared to leave the estate. Johann and Johanna looked

as though they would genuinely miss the rascally group of men. After handshakes and

kisses all around, the entourage walked down the pathway leading to the pier. Within a

few moments, the Hohenzollern gave a blast of its horn and sailed for home.

In  Baron Dichtener's library great hearth, the last of the wood embers gave a final burst of

light and then all was dark.

# 50

The Kaiser's Staff Discuss Strategy.

The Kaiser asked Helmuth von Moltke to speak to the group. By that time, everyone

had settled in comfortable chairs, ready for the conference to continue.

General Moltke did not rise from his padded wicker chair, but spoke without notes.

“Your Majesty, Germany faces a most dire threat from its neighbors. It is a threat that

we Germans must face with boldness and fortitude. We must now calculate how to

reckon with our enemies? Primarily, we must do it without creating an economic collapse

that a protracted war would most certainly bring upon us.”
 

“Forty years ago, our unified nation came into existence because of the determination

of Prussia to bring all Germans under one umbrella, so to speak.”
 

“At that time, as you all know quite well, God provided us with three great Prussian

leaders, King Wilhelm, Otto von Bismarck and Field Marshall Count Helmuth von

Moltke, my uncle.”
 

“If we are to continue as a powerful nation, today’s German army must follow the

examples of our heroes of the three unifying wars between 1860 and 1871.”

“Wunderbar!” shouted Willy, as did everyone else.

“Allow me, Your Majesty, to review some of the pertinent history that has brought

the Fatherland to this point.”
 

“We Germans are in spirit, one nation. However, we are a nation, the unity of which

was for centuries denied us. Nonetheless, that unity has always been an ideal underlying

our lives.”
 

“Two score years ago, acting upon the impulse of a group of great writers and

thinkers, our statesmen could at last achieve the unity which had been the unrealized idea

of so many centuries.”
 

“Our hope was influenced by the success of America to form the United States after

two and one half centuries of living under the bondage of England. The Americans

fought the grand armies of Britain for five years before unification of its thirteen states

was possible. Both our nations had to fight tooth and nail to achieve their just ends!”

“In a series of brief wars, Germany accomplished its unity and we amply manifested

our superiority when we defeated the French, whom Europe then conceived to be the

chief military power.”
 

“It is of interest that both the United States and Germany possess a federal system of

government. The former, of course, is a democracy led by a president. Germany is also a

free nation led by a great and just monarch. In the course of unification, the rulers of all

the German states consented to give the Hohenzollern dynasty supreme military power.”

“Gott sei Dank!”

“Thank you very much men. Since Frederick the Great, Germany has propounded the

idea that Prussia shall do all that may seem to advantage the nation, notwithstanding any

European conventions or traditions that govern the international conduct of other nations.

We are aware of the underlying desires of the major European powers to isolate and

control the manifest destiny of Germany.”
 

“For instance, to any convention of so-called European morals that has a condition

saying hostilities should not begin without a formal declaration of war, we would say ‘If

ultimately it would be to our advantage to attack without the declaration of war then this

convention may be neglected!’ I must make it perfectly clear that on this point the

German General Staff and Chancellor Bethmann are in total agreement!”

“We must insist upon the principle that it is a patriotic duty to keep the Reich strong

and that such a need far outweighs all general human morals of other nations.”

“Hoch! Hoch! Hoch!”
 

When the men quieted down, Moltke stood up to stretch his legs.

The Kaiser raised himself up slightly from his seat and farted. Tirpitz quipped, “Has

the war already started?”
 

Moltke raised his hands in the air and said, “Enough jocularity, gentlemen! This is

serious business! The French have made devious plans to ally themselves with the

Russian Bear. As early as 1888, France floated several loans to Russia totaling more than

two million francs! With that money, Tsar Alexander the Third reorganized his army and

contracted for one-half million French Lebel rifles.”
 

“We are aware that by 1894, France and Russia formed an alliance that bound the two

nations as allies in case of war with Germany. Although our Triple Alliance possesses

nearly three million troops, the Franco-Russian alliance possesses a potential of three

million soldiers.”

“The French General Mirabeau once said, and in my estimation rightly so, ‘The

essential thing is to aim at the destruction of the principal enemy. The defeat of the others

will follow inevitably.’ Like a child’s board game, if Germany surrenders, Austria and

Italy will quickly fall. If Germany attacks France, Russia, by treaty, employs all

available forces. Thus, we face a two-front war.”
 

The Kaiser asked, “What evidence do you possess that suggests such a Franco-

Russian strategy?”
 

“First of all, the Russian Baltic fleet, immediately after the signing the Franco-Russian

treaty, as Theo told us, wasted its time by visiting the French naval base at Toulon. We

know that the French and Russian General Staffs agreed that the best form of defensive

war is to take the offensive! They believe this because they fear that German military

strength grows rapidly as well as that of our allies, Austrian and Italy. More importantly,

we are fully aware that France has long sought a protectorate over Morocco and to join

up with Britain and create a vise-grip control of the waterway between Gibraltar and

Tangiers.”
 

The Kaiser said, “Tell the group, Julius, what you learned about the conversation

between the then English Prime Minister, Arthur Balfour and the American ambassador

to Italy, Henry White?”
 

Moltke explained “Just before the Algeciras Conference to resolve the Morocco

Question, Balfour asked Henry White, the American ambassador to Italy, ‘Is Britain

foolish to not make war on Germany before her trade increases any further and she has

time to build a greater fleet to protect it?’
 

“White replied, ‘If you want so badly to overcome German trade, you fellows should

try working, even more, for lower wages.’”
 

“Balfour said, ‘But, my dear White, that would lower our standard of living.

Moreover, would it not be simpler to go to war at once? It may be the only way for us to

maintain our supremacy!’”
 

Wilhelm rubbed the nape of his neck and moved his head back and forth to remove

any cricks that had set in. “I just know that those English bastards won’t leave Germany

alone until they have destroyed us! The cock suckers!”
 

“General Falkenhayn, are you ready to share your thoughts with us?

Tall, handsome, with a definite military bearing, Eric commanded immediate respect

from any audience. Moltke assisted his colleague in unrolling a large map on top of the

table. With a flip of his hand, he motioned for the onlookers to stand up at the table.

Nearly everyone except Falkenhayn wore a monocle. The Kaiser put on a pair of

tortoise shell spectacles.
 

From beneath his chair, Eric procured an attache case. He removed several sheets

of paper which he smoothed out on top of the table. He also produced a red tipped

telescoping pointer that he extended to its maximum length.

“The French frontier, since the defeat of the French in 1871, is basically an open

frontier. It has no natural features upon which the defensive can rely. Thus, the French

have fortified, at very heavy expense, that portion of their frontier which faces Germany

and established a line of forts from Verdun to Belfort calculated to check the first

movement of a German offensive.”

He used his pointer to tap out each location as though he were nailing a message into

each onlooker’s brain.

“But, and we do not know exactly why, the whole line between Verdun and the North

Sea is left virtually open. We guess that the defense of France on that front requires the

cooperation of Belgium. The French must hope that the three great fortresses of Liege,

Namur and Antwerp would hold up any German advance through Belgium. It appears to

be a tactic to delay our troop movements. There, the Belgian army immediately requires

additional French troops.”

 

“Now, as to Paris, the French have fortified the whole region for miles around the

capital. We do know that if German armies menace Paris, the French government will

pack up and withdraw to Bordeaux. They recognize the strategic value of Paris, but the

government would deliberately sacrifice its political and sentimental value. We have

information that the French have already stockpiled large quantities of food supplies in

and around the city in preparation for a possible siege.”

“Now, I am certain, Your Majesty that you want to know what military advantages

France and England possess over Germany.”
 

A murmur passed among the listeners.
 

“Yes indeed, I want to know that, Eric. Yes indeed I do!”
 

“First, they stand between Germany and the ocean. If their combined navies maintain

superiority at sea, then they could ultimately deny us essential materials of war. They

could deny us cotton that we need for explosives, copper for our shells and cartridge

cases, electrical instruments, gasoline, oil and machinery from abroad, too! A prolonged

conflict could lead to a famine throughout our nation.”
 

Using his pointer, he struck several areas on his map.
 

“At the recent regatta at Kiel, our agents learned that the British admiralty has already

selected transports that were to carry Russian troops to Pomerania along the Baltic Sea

coast.”

“Never fear, Gentlemen,” shouted Tirpitz. “Our navy will quickly destroy any Russian

landing craft!”
 

“So, gentlemen,” continued Eric, “this is the reason why any attack we anticipate

upon France must attain a swiftness that will end the war in a matter of weeks. Beyond

that, Germany could suffer severe consequences. Our armies must emphasize rapid,

unimpeded forward movement.”
 

“Just a moment, Eric.” interrupted the Kaiser who asked, almost fearfully, “I need to

know the military strengths of the Triple Entente.”
 

Falkenhayn said, “If, Your Majesty, we go to war immediately, Germany and its

Allies, except Italy, totals about nineteen million effectives. Germany can supply about

eleven million and Austria-Hungary offers about six and one-half million troops. Turkey

and Bulgaria can provide two million. How effective these Bulgarian troops are today is

not certain. I admit that I am not certain how much we can expect from Italy.”

“It will take several years before France can bring up her potential of eight and one

half million troops. England, at the outset can only provide one hundred and fifty

thousand men. However, the English claim their army consists of crack troops. Add to

that, Belgium has two hundred thousand poorly trained men. Russia has a potential of

twelve million troops. Servia’s small army consists of several hundred thousand or so.”

“Again, what about the Belgian army?” pressed the Kaiser who began pacing the

floor.
 

“Your Majesty, the General Staff’s calculations are based upon the assumption that

the six divisions of the Belgian army will not offer any serious resistance.”

The Kaiser, his face writhing, yelled, “What the hell do you mean by serious

resistance?”
 

Falkenhayn calmly replied, “We consider the Belgian troops to be of low effectiveness

and we will deal with them en passant. We will have to limit our initial invasion to

Belgium for we do not have sufficient troops to invade Holland. Besides, we need to keep

Dutch ports open to accept goods from neutral nations. Thus, Wilhelm, we will have an

important source of imports that the English navy cannot touch.”
 

“I think it is about time you told me, without a lot of bullshit, just what our armies

face from day one of the war!” demanded Wilhelm. “I get the distinct feeling that there

are a lot of important items left out of your perceptions of what Germany faces in a

struggle against the Triple Entente!”
 

His War Minister screwed up his face, repressing his displeasure with the Kaiser’s

derogatory attitude. “At the outset of war, Your Majesty, we can put across the Rhine

River approximately two and one quarter million men. In the East, facing Russia, we can

place one-quarter million troops.”
 

“The French have about one and a half million ready troops and, as I said, the English

can provide about one hundred and fifty thousand men. However, if the war drags on, the

British Empire can probably supply the Entente with an additional million or more

soldiers.”
 

Eric hesitated for a moment as though concerned about the next item, which he feared

was about to cold-cock the nervous Kaiser.
 

“Our latest information is that the Russians are prepared to send at least two armies

consisting of two million troops to our border in East Prussia.”
 

A loud bang distracted Eric from his discussion.
 

The Kaiser had fallen to the floor, his body writhing violently. As he gurgled, foam

covered his mouth and mustache.
 

The group stared at their Emperor in horror. A feeling of hopelessness seemed to

prevent them from going to Wilhelm’s aid.
 

Theobald broke the immobility of Germany’s top military figures by kneeling by

Wilhelm’s side. He placed strong hands on his Majesty’s shoulders in an effort to calm

him down. “Get the ship’s doctor here immediately!”
 

No one moved.
 

“Get your fucking ass out of here, Moltke! Call the ship’s doctor! Use the house

telephone. You can call the Hohenzollern from here!”
 

Several of the men picked up sheets of paper and tried to fan the Emperor’s face.

After a few moments, Wilhelm stopped writhing and opened his eyes. Without any

assistance, he sat up. “May I have a glass of water, please?”
 

Tirpitz quickly poured a cupful from a nearby decanter.
 

After Wilhelm emptied the cup, he put his hand up. “Give me a lift up, will you?” he

asked Theobald.
 

Several hands helped pull him to his feet. To the amazement of all, the Kaiser brushed

himself off and sat down in his chair.
 

“Well, gentlemen, I am sorry about that! Now, let’s get back to the business at hand.”
 

Falkenhayn asked Wilhelm if he felt fit enough to continue the conference. “Do you

need your doctor to come here?”
 

“Nonsense, old man, I feel just fine. Please continue with your discussion Eric. Don’t

bother with the doctor.”
 

“All right, Your Majesty, if you say so.”
 

“Although the Russians have numerical superiority, it is counterbalanced by so many

deficiencies that we have good reason to suppose that Russia will not become a serious

menace before sufficient time has elapsed for us to conquer France. Of course, we will,

by then, effectively hold England in check.”
 

“Russia is handicapped more than any other nation because of the vastness of her

territory. Thus, we know that, even today, she is beginning to mobilize her armies before

any of the other possible belligerents do.”
 

“Our strategy is based on the fact that the railroads that she possesses are sufficient to

bring only a small proportion of her troops to the points of mobilization. The majority

must march for days and days over rough country roads. By the time her army reaches

the front they will be exhausted and hardly fit for combat. This will certainly affect the

collection of their military supplies as well as the mobilization of the soldiers themselves.

Let me emphasize that delay, delay, and more delay will be the undoing of the Russian

hordes.”
 

“By the way, the Russian railroad tracks are wider than those of Germany. That means

that when Russian troops travel west by rail, they will have to detrain at our border. If

they get that far, they will waste time entraining on captured German coaches.”
 

The Kaiser raised his shaking hand like a schoolboy. “May I interrupt?”
 

“Naturally, Your Majesty,” answered Eric.
 

“Of course” snickered Wilhelm, “we are not going to leave anything at the border

for them to use. At any rate, there is no doubt amongst us that the Tsar’s boys will ever

get to the interior of East Prussia! I feel so much better now that you have explained what

the situation is on our East Prussia front. Yes, I feel much better! Please continue.”
 

“All right, colleagues,” said the General, “let us look at the map of East Prussia and

Russian Poland. Russia, Austria and Germany own parts of Poland. We are prepared to

drop, from aeroplanes, thousands of pamphlets promising to reestablish a Polish

kingdom.”
 

The Kaiser snorted, “We would just be giving the Poles free toilet paper. Most of them

can’t read! It is abundantly clear to me that I see no possibility whatsoever of finding,

through diplomacy, a lasting solution for the antagonisms between Germany and France

and Russia. As we all know the problem stems from fifty years of never ending Balkan

infighting.”
 

Then, the Kaiser said to Julius, “How long will it take after the outbreak of war on two

fronts against France and Russia before Germany can send really strong forces against

Russia?”
 

Helmuth extinguished a cigarette that he was smoking. “We hope to be finished with

France, after the commencement of operations, in a little more than a fortnight, or at least

to have gotten deep enough in her territory that we can transfer our main forces to the

east.”
 

The Kaiser quickly changed the subject and asked, “How are we doing in Turkey?”
 

“A year ago we sent General Liman von Sanders,” replied a now smiling Falkenhayn,

“to Turkey as Instructor General to the Turkish troops. So far, he has done magnificent

work. Currently, the reorganization of its army is about half done. Von Sanders attempts

to get the Turks to adopt the methods of our German army. He wants a Turkish army,

though small, that is well organized and trained. From the General’s reports, he believes

the Turkish soldier is one of the bravest in the world. I must say I believe the Turkish

soldier to be smart and tough as nails. They love their country and have strong feelings of

patriotism. Yes, indeed, they are a brave lot!”
 

“Finally, let me relate to you that Major Franz Kubel was sent to Constantinople for

the specific mission of adapting the Turkish railway system to the demands of war.

Germany is sending railroad equipment daily to our Ottoman allies. Should the Triple

Entente consider attacking Turkey, they are in for a rude awakening!”
 

When Falkenhayn sat down, the Kaiser stepped over to him and kissed him on the

mouth.
 

“Thank God, I have such great leaders with me, as you, who sit at this table! Yes

indeed. I know deep down that the Lord is on our side and that he will not let us down.”
 

A loud knock at the oak paneled door stopped the discussion.
 

Baron Dichtener entered and bowed to the group. “You Majesty, please excuse my

interruption, but allow me to say that dinner is ready. We would be honored if you and

your entourage will join Frau Johanna to break bread together.”


 FROM
IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND EVIL
A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE RISE AND FALL OF KAISER WILHELM
A NOVEL BY DONALD B CONRAD

#49

 

        Bethmann Describes the Obstacles Germany Faces.

 

 

After sipping from a glass of water, Theobald Bethmann said, “I will continue to make

every effort to create a detente with Britain to keep her away from France. Frankly, from

what I gather, the chance of getting the English to accept our point of view is rapidly

dimming.”
 

“But, Theo,” said Wilhelm “can’t Prince Karl Lichnowsky, our ambassador in

London, do anything to ameliorate the situation? Doesn’t he have the ear of King

George?”

“I share the same feeling of frustration that you have. The Prince labors daily, but

almost futilely, to maintain peace between our two nations. Everyday, the situation

slowly, worsens. As I mentioned earlier, there exists a powerful group in England that

fears Germany and would set out to destroy her.”
 

“But, let me go back a little bit in time. The ink was hardly dry on the Franco-Russian

treaty of 1894, when the Russian fleet immediately stoked their fireboxes and paid a visit

to the French naval port at Toulon. The French Fleet reciprocated by visiting Kronstad,

on the Gulf of Finland. Naval officers of both fleets shared information about their

individual ships and how, should war occur, they might be arrayed in the Mediterranean

and the Baltic Seas. In the north, the plan calls for the Russians to tie up German

warships in the Baltic while Great Britain prevents any escape of the enemy fleet into the

North Sea.”
 

“As to the Mediterranean Sea, France is assigned the major job of locating and

destroying Triple Alliance navy ships. Of course, Britain will continue to maintain its

fleet at Malta.”
 

“The hope of the Allies is to clear the Dardenelles and allow the Russian fleet to

move freely into the Mediterranean. Thus, such an armada could crush our ships like a

well-greased nutcracker!”
 

The Kaiser began to breathe heavily and his eyes rolled as Theobald continue his

alarming description of a future war.
 

“Are you feeling all right, Willy?” asked the concerned Chancellor.
 

Receiving no reply, Theo continued. “Early on, French and Russian General Staffs

have agreed that the best form of defensive warfare is to take the offensive. They

believed this because of the growing military strength of the Triple Alliance. They fear

Germany the most, and are making plans to destroy our army by a two-front war.”

“Our agents,” interjected von Moltke, “learned, when the British fleet came to the

regatta at Kiel, that the British admiralty has already built the transports that are to carry

Russian troops to Pomerania!”

Wilhelm sat rubbing his chin. “Is that information a fact or is it just some bureaucrat’s

attempt to gain favor?”
 

Moltke intertwined his fingers and said, “We are checking into its veracity as we

speak.”
 

Bethmann persisted. “In the Far East, Great Britain is seeking ways of increasing its

friendship with Japan in order for the two nations to grab up German territories in China.

The tentacles of Great Britain reach everywhere, nicht wahr? Equally important, we now

know that France has long sought protectorate over Morocco that would allow them to

join up with Britain to create a vice-grip, controlling the waterway between Gibraltar and

Tangiers.”

The Kaiser twisted in his chair. “Don’t mention that fucking Tangiers farce! I damned
 

near drowned there! The English and French may gain control of the Mediterranean and

the Suez Canal and think that they can embarrass us by forcing our ships to take the long

way around Africa to the Far East. They know that our Berlin to Baghdad railway will

soon give us a new entrance to the Persian Gulf. While the English and French paddle
around mare nostrum, picking their noses, we Germans will be on our merry way to

India, China and Japan!”

“All right, Your Majesty.” said Bethmann testily. “Let me take a different tack. If,

then, we are to go to war, we must do it initially in such a way that no blame shall fall on

our shoulders! The last thing we want to happen is to dissipate our friendship with

nations around the world. I especially want to retain the friendship of the United States!”

Willy reached over and patted his chancellor on his shoulder. “Our ambassador to

Washington, Count Johann von Bernstorff, works very hard to gain acceptance and

sympathy for Germany’s situation. In fact, he is intimate with President Wilson and has, I

believe, gained his trust.”
 

“The trick, as I see it,” explained Theobald “is to get Russia to be the first to mobilize.

You have to understand that if Germany even suggests that she will mobilize, Russia will

be able to complain that she defends herself from German aggression. That will gain for

Russia the support of France, who by treaty, is bound to go to war if Germany attacks its

ally. Even worse, we have obtained a secret memo, dated a year ago, in which the English

government, through the efforts of Sir Edward Grey, has secretly pledged to fight for

France and Russia. So much for British transparency!”

“But Theo,” cried Wilhelm, nervously crumbling a sheet of paper, “this means a war

on two fronts! Imagine! A fucking two-front war!”

“Naturally,” explained Theo, “Germany wants to avoid a terrible and widespread war.

For us to back down would fatally wound the deep sentiment of the loyalty of our allies,

Austria, Turkey and Italy. Loyalty is one of the finest traits of the German spirit. No, to

back down would place us at variance with the feelings of our people. Therefore, if there

is a clash between Austria and Russia over Servia, war is inevitable. Ergo, we must

mobilize and prepare to wage war on two fronts.”

“According to the Russian General Staff, the Russians plan to attack Germany and

Austria simultaneously. This they have promised the French General Joffre.”

Wilhelm grew more and apprehensive, lighting one cigarette after another. “Are we

really prepared for a two-front war? If you are not right, God help us! Also, in spite of her

protestations, I am deeply worried about keeping Britain neutral!”

Theobald tried to calm the Kaiser. “I have told the British ambassador, Sir William

Goschen to Austria, that if Austria is attacked by Russia, a European conflagration might

become inevitable owing to Germany’s obligations as Austria’s ally.”
 

“I then told him that I understood Great Britain would never standby and allow France

to be crushed in any conflict that might arise. While he hemmed and hawed, I tried to

impress upon him that Germany’s aim is not to destroy France or any other nation. I

explained that provided the neutrality of Great Britain was certain, I could assure the

British Government that Imperial Germany, in a defensive war, seeks no territorial

acquisition anywhere. After he calmed down, I asked him about the possibility that my

assurances might form the basis for a general agreement between Germany and England.

The Ambassador hesitated and said that it was, at the present time, too early to discuss

details.”
 

The Kaiser sputtered, “But, we nations are signatories to the treaty that agreed to

Belgian neutrality! If, without cause, we take the offensive in Belgium while the fucking

Russians are up our asses in East Prussia, what then?”

Losing his temper, Bethmann stood up and declared, “Good God, Willy! Have we not

learned from Napoleon that in war, one must balance the chances of victory over defeat!

Nothing should block German arms because of a treaty written sixty years ago! Times are

now different. Gentlemen, as far as I am concerned that document is just a scrap of paper

to be trampled upon by the hobnailed boots of German soldiers!”
 

Everyone, except Wilhelm, stood up, patted Bethmann on his back and shook his

hand.

FROM
IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND EVIL
A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE RISE AND FALL OF KAISER WILHELM
A NOVEL BY DONALD B CONRAD

# 48

The Kaiser Learns About The Hate Literature

Spread By The Triple Entente.

The Baron Dichtener house resounded with laughter as the guests regaled their hosts by
tall tales subtly sprinkled with sexual innuendos. Even Johanna gave as good as she got.

Later, the visitors strolled into a spacious library, the walls on which samples of

preserved fish dangled. Dozens of colorful shellfish filled nearby tables.

Wandering about the room, the Kaiser and Tirpitz checked out the knick-knacks. On
a mahogany corner table, they discovered embedded in the corners several oyster shells,
each containing a white pearl set in mother-of-pearl. Lighted wall sconces caused the art
form to gleam brightly.

Tirpitz, wiggling his hand, showed the Kaiser a ring on his right pinky finger.
“This is a black pearl,” he said, as Wilhelm examined the ring. “I purchased it from a

dealer when our squadron visited Tahiti. The man showed me a black pearl the size of my
thumb. I asked him if he would sell it to me. The dealer’s body shook as he laughed
loudly. He said that he would not take less than ten thousand marks!”

“Gott im Himmel!” exclaimed the Kaiser. “Unmöglich!”

No, Willie, not impossible. But black pearls, especially that size, are as rare as hen’s
teeth.”

All the men sat in red leather-bound chairs near a highly polished mahogany table.
Clamshells served as ashtrays. The warmth from a blazing fire in the fieldstone fireplace
felt good to the visitors for the weather had turned cool and damp.

Speaking softly, Theobald called the meeting to order. He fixed his monocle in place

and assumed the posture of a college professor by taking hold of his lapels with both
hands.

Your Majesty and my esteemed colleagues, we meet today as brothers-in-arms. We
are faced with a grave situation and we must face it with intelligence and determination!”
The Chancellor looked Wilhelm directly in his face. “Your Majesty, we have
uncovered the “Mother of All Plots! God protect Germany!”

Shaking his head, Wilhelm said, “I thought you were going to say ‘mother of pearl.’

"Nevertheless, seriously, how is it possible that our beautiful land lives among nations that

express their hatred for us? I find it to be comparable to a disease whose microbes are

eating away at our national fabric.”

Theobald continued, “This attitude should explain why Germany, whose economy is
quite sound and growing more each year, may have to go to war to save the Fatherland.

We are feared by the Triple Entente, especially Great Britain!”

The Kaiser chuckled, “I love it when the British fear Germany’s supposed world

domination. This from the nation that boasts, “The sun never sets on the British Empire!

What remains? Oh yes, there is an iceberg or two in Antarctica!”

The Chancellor stared at his liege.

“Thank you, Willie! First of all, let me emphasize that for the past decade Great
Britain has supported a nefarious plan to stir up anti-German feelings not only in the

British Isles, but also throughout the world.”
 

Theobald opened a brief case and emptied its contents on the table.
 

“Here are examples of potboiler literature that is found in many English homes. The
books put the fear of God in people of all ages.”

He read aloud the titles of each one: Spies of Wight, A New Trafalgar, Riddle of the

Sands, The Boy Galloper Cadet, The Invasion, When the Eagle Flies Seaward, Death

Trap, The Message, The Enemy in our Midst, Spies of the Kaiser, When England Slept,
and When Kaiser William Came.


“Foreign magazines are filled with articles denigrating the Fatherland. One English

industrialist paid more than three hundred thousand francs to place hate ads in French

newspapers. Large headlines shout vulgar things about Germany and its government.

Caricatures denigrate our Kaiser and nearly everyone in the government. No one is safe
from their barbs! I am embarrassed to show you these caricatures.”
He placed a thick folder in front of the Wilhelm.

The Kaiser thumbed through the cartoons and then he passed them along to the other group members.
Most of them represented the Kaiser as a megalomaniac grasping a globe of the world. Several
expressed double-entendres that underlined the sexual escapades of German government
officials. When Philipp Eulenburg’s caricature came up, Wilhelm let out an eerie howl.

Everyone looked at the Emperor with great perturbation. However, Wilhelm quickly

regained his composure.

“Fortunately,” he said, “we, Germans, have thick skins and can disallow such

ignorance by people who should know better! It’s a ‘sticks and stones’ thing. Theo, let us

get down to more important matters that Germany faces!”

Caressing his closely cropped beard, Theobald waited for a moment to collect his
thoughts.

“Back in 1903, our agents learned that Colonel William Robertson, of the British War
Office’s Intelligence Section, told his prime minister that the British navy must be

prepared to exert its full strength on a moment’s notice and remain on the offensive.

He recommended blockading German ports, thus destroying Germany’s foreign trade and

eventually rendering our army useless.”

“We heard from our naval delegate to London that England was firmly resolved

according to the principle that ‘might makes right,’ to employ, with all cunning and

ruthlessness, the power which she possesses in her fleet!”

“Of course, no one in England favors an all-out war, but to survive economically they

have decided to fight, since increasing her cutthroat competition doesn’t seem to work
very well. Her economy is in shambles. Mines, manufacturers and businesses of all types

have closed down. Guess whom they blame for their difficulties? Deutschland!”


The members pounded their fists on the tabletop causing the clamshell ashtrays to

wobble back and forth. Wilhelm laughed and said, “Please continue, Theo.”

“There is much more to the Triple Entente’s scheme to put Germany under their
thumb. Our agents in London report daily they have proof that Britain, France and Russia
actually plan the destruction of the German Empire.”

The Kaiser paled. “I can understand France’s hatred of us. I cannot understand why

the Tsar allows Russia to build up a similar hatred. Moreover, I cannot understand why

England has developed such an anti-Germany attitude! For God’s sake, our two nations
are genetically a family. English history is like one horse pulling two wagons. Our
histories head in the same direction. Outside of honestly competing with the English, they

have no quarrel with Germany!”

“That may very well be, Willie,” continued Theobald, “but the principal objective of

the three allies is to break German power and its military domination, by reducing its area

to its pre-1860 borders! For example, and not surprisingly, France will take back Alsace

Lorraine. However, she will not stop there! She plans to take parts of Rhenish Prussia and

the Palatinate.”
“Belgium will obtain an important part of Germany bordering her. Denmark will

regain Schleswig-Holstein. The kingdom of Hanover goes to guess whom?”
 

“England!” everyone shouted.

“Our Russian neighbors will annex the lower course of the River Nieman and most of

Galacia. She will annex eastern Posnania and Silesia, which have been German territory

for hundreds of years. Of course, Russia will demand that the Dardenelles offer free

passage to them forever. To insure this aim, Russia will occupy Constantinople an be

free to sail uninhibited from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.”

“As to Austria-Hungary, the Allies will create a triple monarchy which will consist of
Austria, the Kingdom of Bohemia and all of the Kingdom of Hungary!”
“Servia will annex Bosnia, Herzegovina, Dalmatia and northern Albania while Greece
will annex southern Albania.”
“Britain, France and Japan will divide amongst themselves all German colonies in
Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

A groan from the mouth of Wilhelm stopped Leopold’s comments.
 

“What is it, Willie?” asked Moltke.

The Kaiser picked up one of the anti-German books from the table and hurled it
against the wall. Luckily, he missed hitting any of the Baron’s knickknacks.

“What kind of fucking stupidity does the Triple Entente possess that makes them think

that Germany will just roll over and give up? The fucking French will roll over! The

fucking Russians will roll over! When that’s accomplished, England will feel the wrath of
an angry Teuton! I read the crap of the econimists that we stole. The lousy liars.

Everyone remained quiet while the Kaiser wiped tears of anger from his eyes.
 

“Are you all right?” asked Tirpitz.

Wilhelm simply nodded his head and waved his hand signaling Leopald to continue
his discussion.

Bethmann emitted a long sigh and patted his Willie upon the shoulder.

With a modicum of order achieved, the Chancellor looked over his notes. “Just a few
years ago, the British War Office began surveying the area in Belgium near Charleroi

where a BEF might have to fight in the event of war with Germany. They have mapped

every inch of the roads leading from Belgium to the French border. Here is a copy of a

surveyor’s notebook that one of our agents found near the town of Mons, Belgium."

Theobald gave the notebook to the Kaiser who did not give it a glance, but passed it
around to the other men. “I read it last evening.”

Without waiting for the group to peruse the notebook, Theobald said, “Edward Grey

plans to deliberately use Belgium as an excuse to involve us in a war. Obviously, the

Allies believe that if Germany goes through Belgium, the world will abhor such an

action. What they don’t know is that our General Moltke has made important changes in

the plan that will throw the French strategy into a cocked hat.”
 

“That is what I want to hear, Theo!” cried the Kaiser.

“France,” said Theo “boasts to the world about its peaceful intentions. Yet, we fully
know that since Joffre the Fat became chief of staff, the French law extended periods of
military service from two to three years. Joffre may be fat, but he is smarter than a fox.

She openly demands revanche with an eye on regaining Alsace-Lorraine.”

Everyone laughed at the thought of a “fat” General Joffre.

“Just before I was appointed to my office, our Chancellor Bernhard von Bulow, had
effectively postponed the idea of a preventative war until a cause arose which would

inspire the German people.

 

“Yes, Theo,” interrupted Wilhelm, “Von Bulow once told me that ‘nowadays no war

can be declared unless a whole people are convinced that the war is necessary and just. A
war, lightly provoked, even if it were fought successfully, would have a bad effect on the

country, and if it ended in defeat, it might entail the fall of the dynasty!’ We need to make

plans that give the world the impression that Germany is a victim and not an aggressor.”
 

Falkenhayn pounded the table with his fist. “I say amen to that. We must begin a
powerful public relations program that will make German patriotism soar to the high
heavens!”

The Kaiser blew a kiss to his War Minister.

Bethmann coughed lightly in order to bring the meeting back to order. “May I remind

everyone that all delays are now dangerous for us.”

“Then, let’s saddle up and get the show on the road,” said Wilhelm.

A church bell slowly began to chime the time.

#  47

Kaiser Wilhelm And Staff Prepare to Discuss

Secret Matters Of War and Peace.

 

In spite of the dense fog, the Borkum fishermen diligently worked, preparing their netsfor the days catch.
The half-dozen or more men joked as they loaded their boat with nets outlined with
orange floats.
Speaking in quaint Frisian, speckled with Dutch, German and Danish idioms, the
atmosphere was alive with jocularity.
Suddenly, the fishermen stopped their chores and looked out towards the North Sea.
From out of the fog emerged a large white yacht slowly heading for the nearby wharf.
Bells rang out, engines roared and anchors splashed heavily into the sea.
“Can thee see the name of yonder yacht?” asked a fisherman.
"It’s the Hohenzollern!”

A dozen or more passengers disembarked from the yacht and walked along the strand
and onto a gravel path curved up toward a large gated-estate. Several servants greeted

them and led the way up a pathway to the front entrance.

“Then we best get a move on!” said the boat owner watching the visitors. “The

haddock are biting, as are the herring! I smell fish and money!”

His mate asked, “How long do thee think they will stay on our little island?”

“Hopefully, long enough to eat at least three square meals!” laughed the headman.

The estate, a simple affair, suited to its littoral surroundings, belonged to Baron
Johann von Dichtener. His was an old German family that settled in Lower Saxony

before the Crusades. The stuccoed home was a two-storied building with narrow

hallways. On the lower floor were rooms filled with animal and fish trophies. Floor-to-ceiling

windows allowed sufficient daylight to enter otherwise dark rooms and gave the

place a pleasant aura. Floors lacked rugs so that people walking on the wide wooden

planks created a clackety-clack that echoed along the hallways, making conversanearly impossible.

Johann and his wife Johanna greeted the Kaiser and his entourage with great
cordiality. The hosts were middle-aged folks who gave the impression of a warmhearted
couple, still in love after decades of marriage. The Baron was bald, with a clean-shaven,

jovial face, so that in any light his head literally gleamed. Petite Frau Dichtener, dressed

in a bright blue dress set off by a golden pendant, held her husband’s hand, kept standing

on her toes in order to see each visitor’s countenance. Her tightly woven blond hair ended
in a bun at the back of her head.

There were yellow roses in a vase in the vestibule, which each visitor took a moment

to smell. The aroma provided a relief from the fishy smell of the sea air. Every nook and

cranny was home to various potted flowers.

Wilhelm, dressed in civilian attire, removed his straw hat and shook his host’s hand

vigorously. Then with a gallant flourish, he kissed Frau Dichtener’s small, white hand.
“Thank you both so very much for allowing us to visit with you on such short notice.

Your home seems to be the most appropriate place for us to meet and to discuss matter
of national importance. I am certain that you both understand that our presence be

attended by as much secrecy as possible. Your beautiful Borkum Island is perfect for the

privacy that we desperately require.”
The Baron raised his right hand as though taking an oath and said, “You have my
word of honor, Willy that this meeting will be kept from the local people and th
newspapers. My wife, I call her Jo to distinguish her from me while amongst company,

will have the servants show to your rooms. After that, with your permission, we will
prepare a lunch to share with you and your colleagues. It is a simple Frisian meal, but a
very hardy and tasteful one. When you have an interlude in your discussion, please send
us word and we will meet you in the dining room.”

“Danke schön, mein Freund!” said the Kaiser, smiling broadly.

Von Moltke, who stood behind the Emperor, waited for a few moments and then
walked up to Frau Dichtener and to the surprise of everyone grabbed her around the

waste and lifted her easily into the air.

“Meine liebschen! It is so good to see you again. I hope that you and Johann have

missed me as much as I have missed you.”

Then he turned to the group. “This lovely lady is my wife’s sister! She and Johann are

my favorite kind of people!

“Oh, stop it, Helmuth!” said Jo sweetly. “You are too kind!”
Wilhelm laughed at the antics of his Chief of the General Staff. He then introduced the
remaining members of his entourage.

“Of course, you know our Chancellor Herr Doktor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg.
As you can easily observe, the Herr Doktor is an intellectual, a genuine scholar, a
philosopher and a lover of peace.”

Bethmann greeted the Baron and his wife by bowing low. The Dichteners also bowed

low. When the host offered his hand to Theobald, the chancellor absent-mindedly shook
Johanna’s hand first. When he turned to shake the Baron’s hand, a book he was carrying

beneath his armpit slipped to the floor. Johann bent down and retrieved the volume. He

read its title and said, “I see that you like Friedrich Schiller’s poetry. I also happen to

admire him as one of Germany’s greatest poets.”
Theobald’s kindly gray eyes and mild, cordial manner gave his hosts little to fear from
the six and-one-half foot giant. In fact, his height and deeply lined face gave him a rather
Lincolnesque appearance.
As he stepped back, Bethmann attempted to click his heels, but could not affect a

sound for he wore soft oxford shoes. In addition, as he snapped his head, his monocle fe
from his eye saved only by its thin gold safety chain.
 

The Kaiser laughing at his Chancellor’s antics then placed his hand on the shoulder of
General Eric von Falkenhayn.

“General Eric von Falkenhayn is my new War Minister and, like all the rest of these
guys, has given me an honest appraisal of where Deutschland stands in the midst of its
hostile neighbors.”

Eric said, “Thank you, Your Majesty! Herr und Frau Dichtener, it is a pleasure to

meet you. Your beautiful Frisian estate reminds me of a seascape, only I feel that today I

am a part of the painting.

He then bowed to Johann and softly kissed Johanna’s hand.

Tall, bald and overweight, Admiral Alfred Tirpitz stepped forward. His white,

inverted v-shaped beard bobbed up and down as he bowed, shook one hand and kissed
another. In a quiet voice, he chivalrously thanked his hosts. “You folks are most gracious
to allow this rough crowd to visit your beautiful home. I assure you that we will be most
careful with your china, but do count your silverware!”

A broad smile lit up Johanna’s face. “Oh, Admiral, you jest of course! My husband
and I are thrilled that you honor our home by your visit. We trust that we can make your

stay here a pleasant one.”

“Not to fear, dear madam!” laughed Moltke, “we are les miserables, not miserable.”
 

The last two persons introduced were Dick Hentsch and Herbie Schornstein who, up

to now, prudently remained in the background.

“The other fellows,” quickly explained Wilhelm, “are my Chief of Intelligence,
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hentsch and my A.D.C., Captain Schornstein. However, dear

friends, you need not worry,” he chuckled, “They don’t eat much.”
Both men bowed without saying a word.

The Baron put his arm around his wife and suggested that his guests retire to their
bedrooms and refresh themselves.
Stopping before the door of his bedroom, Wilhelm motioned for Hentsch and

Schornstein to enter with him.
“Our meeting is top secret and is limited to the General Staff members. You two men

disappear for several hours, verstehen Sie?”