Germany has shown England the greater
advantage of a German-English coalition, and France is frozen out.
England, with her shrewd alertness to make the most profitable deal,
entertained if did not close the German proposition. In a nutshell,
it is this:
Germany must have the lowland ports. Holland is not adverse to coming
into the German Federation. Belgium is adverse, but could be snuffed
out as easily as a candle. But French public opinion would never
tolerate under any circumstances this German aggression. France would
fight, even though knowing it to be a losing fight. If only she would
let Germany have what she wants, there would be no war. But the
French temperament, public opinion, years of decorating with flowers
that Alsace-Lorraine symbol, the Strasbourg statue in Paris, have not
been conducive to fostering a submissive spirit in France. To resent
Germany's inevitable aggression is equally inevitable.
So much for what Germany gets out of it. Austria wants to round up
her empire in the Balkans. Austria has to have outlets in the
Mediterranean. England, if she stands by Germany, will be rewarded
with French Northern Africa and the Dutch East India possessions.
What will become of France? Reconstruction, partitioning, possibly a
little kingdom, probably under the Orleans r?©gime. France is in the
lap of the gods. I know these things, for I possess them in black and
white.
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