235. Just such a systematic transformation of the world as Augustus effected, Germany must now undertake—but on how much nobler a plan!—H.S. Chamberlain, K.A., p. 42.
235a. Germany will be the schoolmaster of all the world, as every German has a bit of the schoolmaster in him.—Prof. W. v. Blume, D.D.M., p. 25.
Compare No. [82].
236. The war must last until we have forced disarmament upon our enemies. There is a nursery rhyme which runs thus:—
Knife and scissors, fork and candle,
Little children must not handle.
Since the enemy States behave so childishly as to misuse their arms, they must be placed under tutelage. Moreover, our enemies have acted so dishonourably that it is only just that rights of citizenship should be denied them.... When they can no longer bear arms, they cannot make any new disturbances.—O. Siemens, W.L.K.D., p. 47.
237. We must establish ourselves firmly at Antwerp on the North Sea and at Riga on the Baltic.... At all events we must, at the conclusion of peace, demand substantial expansions of the German Empire. In this our motive will not be the greed and covetousness of world-ruling England, nor the national vanity of gloire-seeking France, nor the childish megalomania of Rome-mad Italy, nor the insatiable craving for expansion of semi-barbarous Russia.—Prof. E. Haeckel, E.W., p. 122.
238. We could not but say to ourselves, "If once it comes to war with England, it will be difficult for us to get at her in her island. It will be easier to strike at her in Egypt [which the writer elsewhere describes as the keystone of the arch of the British Empire]. But to that end we require an alliance with the Turks." ... Therefore Germany sent officers to instruct the Turkish Army, therefore the Emperor went in 1898 to Constantinople and Jerusalem and made his famous speech as to the friendship between Germany and the Mohammedans. Therefore we built the Bagdad Railway with German money.—P. Rohrbach, W.W.R., p. 12.
239. Noblesse oblige.... The idea that we are the chosen people imposes on us heavy duties, and duties only.... We are not out to conquer the world. Have no fear, my dear neighbours, we will not devour you.... Should it be necessary to increase our territory in order that the greater body of the people may have room to develop, then in that case we shall take as much land as may appear to be necessary. We will also plant our foot where it appears important on strategic grounds that we should do so, in order to maintain our impregnable strength. Thus, if our position of strength in the world will gain by it, we will establish stations for our fleet, for example, in Dover, Malta and Suez. Beyond this we will do nothing. We have not the least desire to expand, for we have something more important to do.—Prof. W. Sombart, H.U.H, p. 143.
239a. We trust that the German Eagle, when with one wing he has scourged the barbarians back into Asia, and with the other has freed himself from unworthy chains, will soar high over the oceans ... where his wings can grow and he can stretch them according to his needs. And we hope that this strong, united, purified Germany will be a fountain of rejuvenescence to the ageing Kultur of Europe.—Prof. G. Roethe, D.R.S.Z., No. 1, p. 31.