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i9i4] INTERVIEW WITH REICHENAU 297
that France was very ill-prepared for the supreme
struggle. On the other hand, I was not at all sure of
the intrinsic worth of a Russo-British alliance (in this I
was mistaken), and I feared that such an alliance might
rather incite Germany to attack us. In short, I frankly
dreaded a collision with Germany and held the opinion
that, given the present state of Russia, our policy ought
carefully to avoid anything that might create serious
friction between us and our powerful neighbour. I had
ever before me the threat of a great danger; I thought
this danger imminent; but I did not think it
inevitable. . . .
On Tuesday, 28th July, as the telegrams from the
agencies revealed a slight relaxation in the tension, I went
to call on my German colleague, Herr von Reichenau,
in order to probe the situation with him. I told him
quite frankly that I was very anxious and that I was
profiting by what might prove the last day on which he
and I should be allowed to talk together. " Moreover,
circumstances are such that we must tell each other all
without any reticence, or we must not talk," I added,
when Herr von Reichenau expressed his great pleasure
at seeing me. I began the conversation by drawing my
host’s attention to the fact that I was not at all what
they called "a devourer of Germans"; I had family
antecedents and traditions that prevented me regarding
Germany as a necessary and born foe; and it was in the
name of these old memories and traditions that I came
to talk to my German colleague that day. " What are
they about in Berlin at this moment ? They are on the
eve of letting loose the most terrible events that have
ever occurred in Europe."
" But we in no way wish for war, I assure you,"
protested Herr von Reichenau.
"Now, now! quite frankly, my dear colleague, it is
not possible that you should think it is we who wish for
war ? "
" No, I do not think that; but it is not a question of
war or peace. We are absolutely determined this time to
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