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Lot 454
Wilhelm II (1859-1941). German Kaiser and Prussian King from 1888 until the end of World War I. Deeply concerned with military matters, Wilhelm supported the expansion of the German Navy under Tirpitz and sought to increase Germany's international scope in spite of British and French influence.
Autograph Letter Signed ("William I R"). As Kaiser of Germany. In English.Two pages, recto and verso, quarto, Schlitz, June 6, 1904. On stationery bearing the royal emblem. To King Edward VII of England. In black ink. Accompanied by transmittal envelope, complete with intact wax seal. Mailing folds, some ink fading, image from seal lightly transferred to bottom half of first sheet. Very good to fine condition.
This important letter contains outstanding content, illustrating the complex relationship between England and Germany as the world gradually slid into World War I. The German Kaiser, nephew to the King of England, Rear-Admiral in the British Navy and Field Marshal in the British Army, was granted full access to the British fortifications at Gibraltar -- in spite of the German Navy's aggressive expansion and ongoing tensions in North Africa. This access, typical of the way family connections between Victoria's offspring overcame normal considerations, resulted in the letter offered here. In his usual fashion, Wilhelm's letter is a mix of family feeling, boasts and good advice. In full:
"My dear Uncle, On my return home I think it my duty once more to thank you warmly for the reception accorded me at Malta and Gibraltar. As both governors expressly mentioned to me that they had your orders to receive me like yourself, you may be sure that I feel deeply touched by this kind measure of courtesy in which you so well excell. It gave me great pleasure to be able to associate with so many of your officers in both your services, and to become acquainted with the men foremost on the lists of their country, whose names like dear Sir W. Whites, have already called of forth admiration of the brothers in arms of the world and especially in our army. During my walk up the cliff at Gibraltar I was struck that there is still lots of room left where to place heavy, far carrying guns. If I may be allowed to mention the fact, I think that the Rock ought to carry a larger number of heavy ordnance; the 9.5 gun is -- especially at long ranges -- not powerful enough to cope with the heaviest guns carried by the modern battleships, they ought -- according to my humble notions -- to be replaced by 12 inch Guns. Of these there are a certain number lying at the dock in Malta belonging to the Fleet who would be most happy to sell them to the Army for use on the shore, as they can not be employed on board. The maneuvers which have been going on between the Channel fleet and the Rock, have shown, that the 6 ships of this Fleet are amply sufficient to keep the whole of the Rocks heavy ordnance fully occupied if attacked from one side only; but should an Enemy dispose two squadrons on both sides, and begin a simultaneous attack, the Rock would, without help by a friendly Fleet, be unable to withstand a bombardment like this in the long run. I must beg your pardon, if I intrude upon your kindness & seem to mix into matters that do not concern me, but as I have the honor of being a British Field Marshall, I though I might be allowed to attract your attention to these facts. The more so as I have always taken a great interest in fortifications & their defence. I fancy, that should you hear Gen. Slade's opinions about this question, he will bear me out. I was very glad to see dear old DC Warre from Eton at Malta, a man for whom I have the greatest admiration as educator & former of boys characters. With my best love to Aunty & cousins, & with renewed thanks believe me Ever Your Affectionate Nephew"
While this is not the place to discuss all of the causes of the Great War, the intimate relationship between the rulers of Germany and Great Britain, in concert with the Kaiser's lifelong belief that dynastic kinship would transcend the conflicts of rival governments, absolutely affected royal perception (in both countries) of the ultimate outcome of political maneuvering and military buildups in the decade leading up to World War I.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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