The menace which Russia suffered under is one which perpetually hangs over Germany. Germany is the next great objective of Bolshevism. All the strength of a young missionary idea is needed to raise up our nation once more, rescue it from the embrace of the international python, and stem the corruption of its blood at home, so that the forces of the nation, once set free, may be employed in preserving our nationality.
If this is our aim, it is folly to be too intimate with a Power whose ideal might become the deadly enemy of our future.
One special sin which the old German Empire committed with respect to its policy of alliances was that it spoiled its relations towards all by continually swinging this way and that, and by its weakness in preserving peace at all costs. One thing only it cannot be reproached with ; it did not continue to maintain its good relations with Russia.
I admit frankly that during the War I thought it would have been better if Germany had renounced her foolish colonial policy and her naval policy, had joined England in an alliance for defence against a Russia invasion, and had abandoned her weak aspir¬ ation to cover the whole world for a determined policy of acquiring territory on the Continent of Europe.
I do not forget the perpetual insolent threats offered Germany by pan-Slavist Russia ; I do not forget the continual practice mobilizations, the sole object of which was to annoy Germany ; I cannot forget the temper of public opinion in Russia, which, before the War, excelled itself in hate-inspired attacks on our nation and Empire, nor can I forget the great Russian Press, which was always more in favour of France than of us.
The present consolidation of the Great Powers is the last warning signal to us to take thought and bring our people back from their dreamland to the hard truth, and show the way by which alone the old Reich may blossom forth once again.