As for the United States, we have seen (p. 208) that the accomplishment of the scheme “from Hamburg to the Persian Gulf” would really jeopardize their independence in the gravest manner. No doubt that point of view has not yet been generally apprehended in the United States, but a propaganda which could easily be carried on, since the arguments in its favour are abundant, should serve to convince the Americans that in fighting on the battlefields of Europe the Allied soldiers are really safeguarding the future of the great American Republic. On the day when that conviction becomes general, the Americans will not hesitate to lend the European Allies such assistance of various sorts as must hasten the coming of complete victory. To recapitulate, a series of deductions, all based on acknowledged facts and all easily verifiable, leads to the conclusion that the formidable problem with which German aggression has confronted the civilized world is summed up in the solution of the Austro-Hungarian question, because that solution, which can be worked out without prejudice to the legitimate interests of the German people (see Chapter VI § 111), is the only means of putting an end to the Hohenzollern plan of universal domination, founded on the scheme “from Hamburg to the Persian Gulf.” But when the question of Austria-Hungary shall have been solved, the problems peculiar to each of the Allies will by way of corollary be solved also. And in general, by securing the independence of the non-German peoples of Central Europe—a measure the justice of which is indisputable—we shall effectually protect the world as a whole against any future eruption of the intolerable Pangerman ambition. FOOTNOTES [1] At that date the designation Austria was comprehensive of what we now call Austria-Hungary. [2] This passage was written before Yuan-Shi-Kai’s death. _Translator’s Note._ [3] A French translation of this work, by M. Maurice Millioud, of Lausanne, has been published by the firm of Payot. [4] He has published an excellent pamphlet with the significant title, _The Liquidation of Austria-Hungary_. Felix Alcan, Paris. [5] Since this was said, Roumania has joined the Entente Powers in the war. _Translator’s Note._ [6] This passage was written before Roumania joined the Allies in the war. _Translator’s Note._ End of Project Gutenberg's The PanGerman Plot Unmasked, by André Chéradame