DIE NACHT
(A New Version of "Der Tag," all about Billy Primus,
June, 1917.)
Scene I (and only).
(Large room used as smoker-library with tall windows overlooking the waters of Wandsee. The Kaiser in the uniform of the Death's Head Hussars, seated behind a table-desk. A shaded lamp throws the sharp silhouette of his features upon the wall, leaving him mostly in shadow and the rest of the room in the light. He presses a bell. Enters Zimmerman, Foreign Minister.)
Kaiser (motioning Z. to be seated): Before Talaat arrives let me know briefly how the matter stands.
Zim.: Turkey desires peace at once, but gives the last possible date as three months. An immediate loan of 10,000,000 liras on mutual security is demanded.
Kaiser: Is Enver in with this, or is it a feeler only?
Z.: I assure your Majesty, it requires urgent attention. The whole of Turkey is behind it, led by the few vested and private interests that remain. You remember my saying that as soon as the private interests are hit the Turks will murmur.
Kaiser: What hold have they on the public?
Z.: According to Talaat, and privately confirmed, the wealthy classes are heading the general dissatisfaction at the famine prices and daily loss of territory. It is an ultimatum.
Kaiser: What course do you propose for extending the three months?
Z.: I suggest the situation would concern the War Minister.