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278
ON THE EVE OF WAR [chap. xvi.
official circles, had all the same contrived that Russia
should be represented at the exhibition of Malmo: the
Swedes were anyhow grateful to Russia for having
taken part in it. And if this had not been done every
one in Sweden would have seen tangible proof of
Russian hostility and of her sinister schemes with regard
to the peninsula of the North !
At the end of April I went to Malmo to see how the
setting-up and the arrangement of the Russian section
were getting on. About the 15th May I returned there
officially to take part in the opening of the exhibition.
The King still being ill, it was the Crown Prince and his
wife who presided over the opening ceremonies. The
customary prayers, inevitable chants, numerous and
lengthy speeches in excellent Swedish (of which then I
did not understand one word), a grand banquet presided
over by the Royal pair—at which I made acquaintance
with a lot of people I never saw again—closed the first
day’s proceedings. The next day there was a great
dinner to the German contingent in the room of the
beautiful Berlin china. There I made the acquaintance
of Count Brockdorff-Rantzau, German Minister to
Copenhagen. The Count extended to me a particularly
ready welcome. From topical commonplaces we
proceeded to exchange a few political impressions, and
Count Rantzau appeared to jump at the opportunity to
express, with striking warmth and conviction, some
ideas on the absolute necessity for good relations
between Russia and Germany, and on the terrible
consequences that a collision arising between them might
have for both countries. I acquiesced very sincerely in
this point of view.
" It is a great pity that we have not time to discuss
this more fully," said Rantzau. " But you are certain to
come to Copenhagen soon. Come and see me when you
do ; we shall be able to talk more freely and at greater
length ; do come !"
I did go to Copenhagen two days after, but I did not
call on the German Minister. I considered that to seek
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