History of the World War, Volume 3 (of 7) : $b An authentic narrative of the world's greatest warMarch, Francis A., Jr.
History
History of the World War, Volume 3 (of 7) : $b An authentic narrative of the world's greatest war
March, Francis A., Jr.
World War, 1914-1918
He handed the letter and the King read it and still remained silent.
Then he said, turning to his former Prime Minister and ablest
politician: “Gueshoff, it is now your turn to speak.”
M. Gueshoff got up and said: “I also am fully in accord with what M.
Stambulivski has just said. No matter how severe his words may have
been in their simple unpolished frankness, which ignores the ordinary
formalities of etiquette, they entirely express our unanimous opinion.
We all, as representing the opposition, consider the present policy of
the Government contrary to the sentiments and interests of the country,
because by driving it to make common cause with Germany it makes us
the enemies of Russia, which was our deliverer, and the adventure
into which we are thus thrown compromises our future. We disapprove
most absolutely of such a policy, and we also ask that the Chamber be
convoked, and a Ministry formed with the co-operation of all parties.”
After M. Gueshoff, the former Premier, M. Daneff also spoke, and
associated himself with what had already been said.
The King remained still silent for a while, then he, also, stood up
and said: “Gentlemen, I have listened to your threats, and will refer
them to the President of the Council of Ministers, that he may know and
decide what to do.”
All present bowed, and a chilly silence followed. The King had
evidently taken the frank warning given him as a threat to him
personally, and he walked up and down nervously for a while. Prince
Boris turned aside to talk with the Secretary, who had resumed taking
notes. The King continued pacing to and fro, evidently very nettled.
Then, approaching M. Zanoff, and as if to change the conversation, he
asked him for news about this season’s harvest.
M. Zanoff abruptly replied: “Your Majesty knows that we have not come
here to talk about the harvest, but of something far more important at
present, namely, the policy of your Government, which is on the point
of ruining our country. We can on no account approve the policy that
is anti-Russian. If the Crown and M. Radoslavoff persist in their
policy we shall not answer for the consequences. We have not desired
to seek out those responsible for the disaster of 1913, because other
grave events have been precipitated. But it was a disaster due to
criminal folly. It must not be repeated by an attack on Serbia by
Bulgaria, as seems contemplated by M. Radoslavoff, and which according
to all appearances, has the approval of your Majesty. It would be a
premeditated crime, and deserve to be punished.”
The King hesitated a moment, and then held out his hand to M. Zanoff,
saying: “All right. At all events I thank you for your frankness.”
Then, approaching M. Stambulivski, he repeated to him his question
about the harvest.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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