The real motives producing this publication now, after about nine years, are
very much discussed ail over the continent and in Great Britain. The
suggestions are as numerous and different as the writers. The peace party is
of the opinion that the publication will aid the cause of peace by showing
how purely defensive the alliance really was and is, and yet how closely it
will bring together the allied Governments in case of attack, thus at the
same time ministering to the susceptibilities of the Czar, and warning him
of the magnitude of the contest he will enter upon. It is believed that the
late understanding between Germany and Italy embraces substantially the same
points, and goes to the same length. The war party declares that the allies
have given up
[Page 612]
the hope of peace,
and that this publication is in the nature of a despairing threat to Russia
and an appeal for the sympathy of the peace-loving world when the conflict
shall soon actually come about.
[Inclosure in No. 575,—Translation.—Extra
edition of the Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung. No.
58.]
Berlin, Friday,
February 3, 1888.
The Reichs und Staats-Anzeiger publishes to-day the following:
The Governments of Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy have
determined to publish their treaty of alliance, concluded on the 7th of
October, 1879, in order to put an end to the doubts as to its purely
defensive objects, which are entertained in various quarters, and which
are made to serve divers purposes. The policy of both the allied
Governments is guided by the desire to preserve peace, and obviate
breaches thereof to the best of their ability. They are convinced that
the divulgation of the contents of their treaty of alliance will dispel
every doubt on the subject, and therefore they have resolved to publish
it. The text is as follows:
Whereas their Majesties the German Emperor, King of Prussia, and the
Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, must regard it as their imperative
duty as monarchs to have a care in all circumstances for the security of
their realms, and the repose of their peoples; and whereas both
monarchs—as during the federal relationship which previously existed
between them—will be enabled to fulfill this duty more easily and
effectually by the steadfast co-operation of both their Empires; and
whereas, finally, such a close connection between Germany and
Austria-Hungary can threaten no one, but is rather calculated to
consolidate the peace of Europe, as it was established by the
stipulations of the treaty of Berlin:
Now, therefore, their Majesties the Emperor of Germany and the Emperor of
Austria, King of Hungary, while solemnly promising to each other that
they will never attach an aggressive meaning in any direction to their
purely defensive agreement, have resolved to conclude a pact of peace
and a mutual defense, and for this purpose they have appointed as their
plenipotentiaries:
- His Majesty the German Emperor, his envoy extraordinary and
ambassador plenipotentiary Lieutenant-General Prince Henry VII
Reuss, etc.;
- His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, his
actual privy councillor, minister of the imperial house and of
foreign affairs, Field-Marshal Lieut. Julius Count Andrassy, of
Csik-Szent-Király and Kraszna-Horka, etc.;
Who have met this day at Vienna and after exchange of their full powers,
which were found good and sufficient, have agreed as follows, to
wit:
Article I.
If, contrary to the hope and against the sincere wish of both the high
contracting parties, one of the two Empires should be attacked by Russia
then the high contracting parties bind themselves to assist each other
with the entire military power of their Empires, and accordingly only to
conclude peace by common agreement.
Article II.
Should one of the high contracting parties be attacked by another power,
then the other high contracting party hereby binds itself not only not
to assist the assailant of its high ally, but also at least to observe
an attitude of benevolent neutrality towards its high co-party. But if,
nevertheless, in such an event the attacking power should be supported
by Russia, whether in the form of active co-operation or by military
measures involving menace to the attacked, then the obligation of mutual
assistance with full military power, stipulated for in Article I of this
treaty, shall in this case immediately come into force, and then, also,
the military operations of both the high contracting parties shall be
conducted in common until they conclude a peace in common.
Article III.
In consideration of its pacific character and in order to obviate all
misunderstanding, this treaty shall be kept secret by the high
contracting parties, and be communicated to a third power by agreement
of both sides only, and on the strength of a special understanding. In
view of the sentiments expressed by the Emperor Alexander
[Page 613]
on the occasion of the meeting
at Alexandrovo, both the high contracting parties surrender themselves
to the hope that the armaments of Russia will in reality not prove to be
menacing to them, and for the present, therefore, they have no occasion
to make a communication. But should this hope, contrary to expectation,
turn out to be erroneous, then the high contracting parties would look
upon it as a duty of loyalty to give the Emperor Alexander,
confidentially at least, to understand that they would consider an
attack against one of them as directed against them both.
In witness whereof the plenipotentiaries have hereto affixed their
signatures and seals.
Done at Vienna
this 7th day of
October, 1879.
[
l. s.]
H. VII P.
Reuss.
[
l.
s.]
Andrassy.
