In the World War

In the World War, by Count Ottokar Czernin, aims to describe separate events of which the author had intimate knowledge, and individuals with whom he came into close contact. The preface says it is impossible in a small volume to write the history of the World War in even a partially exhaustive manner. The text says Bismarck created the German Empire out of Düppel, Königgrätz and Sedan.

The text says the Germany of William II had no desire for war, but one day plunged headlong into it. The author says that, owing to the extreme distrust that Clemenceau, the English Prime Minister, and with them the great majority in France and England, had of Germany's intentions, no measure could be devised that would have given London and Paris a sufficient guarantee for a future peaceful policy. The author writes that he could not relinquish German territory to the Entente so long as he lacked the power to persuade Germany herself to such a step.