7 fev 1905 ano - "The hostility of the English public towards the
German nation is founded apparently in
jealousy and fear: jealousy in view of
Germany’s economic and commercial
schemes; fear from the perception that the
German fleet may perhaps one day become a
competitor for naval supremacy … This state
of mind is fomented by the English press,
heedless of international complications … in
England; and the newspapers are, bit by bit,
poisoning public opinion."
-Count De Lalaing, the Belgian ambassador in
London
Descrição:
No. 1.
Count de Lalaing, Belgian Minister in London, to Baron de Favereau, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
London, February 7, 1905.
Your Excellency,
The hostility of the English public towards the German nation is not of recent date. It is founded, apparently, in jealousy and in fear: jealousy, in view of Germany’s economic and commercial schemes; fear, from the perception that the German Fleet may perhaps one day become a competitor for that naval supremacy which is the only kind to which England can lay claim. This- state of mind is fomented by the English Press, heedless of international complications; and a slap at the ambitious Emperor, and the machinations of his Chancellor, never fails to draw the applause of the crowd.
Attack provokes retaliation; and one perceives a corresponding bitterness of tone among German writers and journalists. When it was known the other day that the English Admiralty proposed that the Fleet, which till now has had its base in the Mediterranean, should be concentrated in the North Sea,1 Dr. Paasche sounded the alarm, and saw in this plan a proof that the Cabinet of London regarded Germany as the only enemy they had to fear in Europe.
Last week, at a banquet, Mr. A. Lee, Civil Lord of the Admiralty, praised the reforms recently introduced by the Government as making it possible to strike the first blow before the enemy were ready, even before war,indeed, were declared.2 He added that it was, above all,, in the direction of the North Sea that the Admiralty should keep a sharp look out.
These words have created a great sensation in Germany; sc much so that an effort was made to gloss over the affair; and they say here that Mr. Lee’s language was misinterpreted," and that the two Governments are on excellent terms and mean to remain so. But the spirit of jingoism runs its course unchecked among the people in England: and the newspapers are bit by bit poisoning public opinion, until people have come to believe that Germany has no right to increase her naval strength, and that her Navy Estimates constitute a challenge to England.
Believe me, etc.,
(Signed) DE LALAING.
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