View source for IV Kaltenbronn Schwarzwald 16/IV/95

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[[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[Pre - 1914 Documents]] > [[Willy-Nicky Letters between the Kaiser and the Czar]] > [['Willy-Nicky' Letters: Introduction, and Letters I-V (8 November 1894-10 July 1895)|Introduction, and Letters I-V (8 November 1894-10 July 1895)]] > '''IV Kaltenbronn Schwarzwald 16/IV/95'''
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<b>IV<br>
Kaltenbronn<ref>Shooting box in Black Forest near Wildbad.</ref> Schwarzwald 16/IV/95</b><br><br>
Dearest Nicky<br><br>

As Prince Radolin,<ref>German ambassador in Constantinople, 1892-1895; in Petrograd, 1895-1901; in Paris, 190I-I910. He succeeded General von Werder at Petrograd.</ref> leaves shortly for Petersburg I send these few lines by him. He is an excellent and warm friend of mine, who has been proved by the difficult task he had when beeing Papa's Chief of the Household during his short reign he stubbornly resisted any trials of intrigue from any side. You may place full and implicit confidence in him, his discreetness is proverbial and he is burning to do everything in his power to please us both and to tighten the traditional ties which unite our families and countries since nearly a century. He hates the Poles and has no more to do with them or interest in them than with the Sandwich Islanders.<br><br>

I thank you sincerely for the excellent way in which you initiated the combined action of Europe<ref>The protest of Russia, France and Germany made on April 24th against the Chinese-Japanese Treaty of Shimonoseki of April 17th, which forced Japan to give up the Liao-tung peninsula and Port Arthur.</ref> for the sake of its interests against Japan. It was high time that energetic steps were taken, and will make an excellent impression in Japan as elsewhere. It shows to evidence how necessary it is that we should hold together, and also that there is existent a base of common interests upon which all European nations may work in joint action for the welfare of all as is shown by the adherence of France to us two. May the conviction that this can be done without touching a nations honour, take root more and more firmly, then no doubt the fear of war in Europe will dissipate more and more. The kind and most valuable messages which you sent me through Osten Sacken<ref>Count Nicholas Osten-Sacken, Russian ambassador in Berlin.</ref> by Count Eulenburgs transmission in Vienna have given me a signal proof of your loyalty and openness towards me. I shall certainly do all in my power to keep Europe quiet and also guard the rear or Russia so that nobody shall hamper your action towards the Far East! For that is clearly the great task of the future for Russia to cultivate the Asian Continent and to defend Europe from the inroads of the Great Yellow race. In this you will always find me on your side ready to help you as best I can. You have well understood that call of Providence and have quickly grasped the moment; it is of immense political and historical value and much good will come of it. I shall with interest await the further development of our action and hope that, just as I will gladly help you to settle the question of eventual annexations<ref>These annexations were Germany's seizing of Kiao-Chau, Russia's seizing of Port Arthur and England's seizing of Weihai-wei in 1898.</ref> of portions of territory for Russia, you will kindly see that Germany may also be able to acquire a Port somewhere were it does not "gêne" you. I am afraid that, as the Norwegians~<ref>Norway was in the midst of a great political crisis. Ten years later the separation of Norway and Sweden took place.</ref> are in a state bordering on insanity I may not be able to make my summer tour there, but shall have to cruise about on the Swedish coast of the Baltic. Should that be the case, could not we have a meeting somewhere for our two yachts were it suits you and have quiet little chat between ourselves? It would be so nice. Now good bye dearest Nicky, give my best love to Alix and respectful compliments to your Mama, from Ever<br><br>

Your most devoted and affate friend<br><br>

Willy<br><br>

P.S. Radolin is quite "eingeweiht" in all my ideas I just developed to you.<br><br>


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[[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[Pre - 1914 Documents]] > [[Willy-Nicky Letters between the Kaiser and the Czar]] > [['Willy-Nicky' Letters: Introduction, and Letters I-V (8 November 1894-10 July 1895)|Introduction, and Letters I-V (8 November 1894-10 July 1895)]] > '''IV Kaltenbronn Schwarzwald 16/IV/95'''
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