Speech of German Social Democratic Leader on July 30, Five Days Before
His Declaration in the Reichstag.
For twenty-five years Austria-Hungary has been attempting to strangle
Servia economically. Therefore, the ultimatum sent to Servia must be
regarded as a provocation to long desired war. As you know, Servia's
answer was so conciliatory in tone that if Austria had had the honest
desire peace could have been brought about. Austria wanted war.
The most fearful thing about it all is that this criminal sport may
deluge all Europe with blood. A telegram says that Austria does not wish
to carry on a long war with Servia, but only intends taking the capital
city, Belgrade, by way of teaching Servia a lesson. This rôle of the
teacher punishing the pupils is both reprehensible and dastardly.
Austria seems to count upon Germany's help. Nevertheless, the German
Socialists declare that secret negotiations have very little weight with
the proletariat. The German proletariat says that Germany is not to
involve herself, even if Russia enters in. The German capitalists, on
the other hand, demand that Germany step in because Austria makes war
with Servia. And on the same illogical, reprehensible grounds the French
capitalists are demanding war with Germany. The French proletariat is
one with the German proletariat.
The people, sunk deep in want and despair, will at last awake and
establish socialism. Yesterday thousands and tens of thousands of them
in Berlin protested against the war. Their slogan was: "Long live peace,
and down with war!"
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