It can hardly be presumed that the spirit of Russian generalship has completely changed since the defeats in Manchuria, and that striking personalities have come on the stage.

This army must therefore always be met with a bold policy of attack.
When we contrast these conditions with the position of Germany, we cannot blink the fact that we have to deal with immense military difficulties, if we are to attain our own political ends or repel successfully the attack of our opponents.
In the first place, the geographical configuration and position of our country are very unfavourable.

Our open eastern frontier offers no opportunity for continued defence, and Berlin, the centre of the government and administration, lies in dangerous proximity to it.

Our western frontier, in itself strong, can be easily turned on the north through Belgium and Holland.

No natural obstacle, no strong fortress, is there to oppose a hostile invasion and neutrality is only a paper bulwark.