The principal advocate of this plan was Admiral Tirpitz.

To the credit of the former _Reichskansler_, Bethmann-Hollweg, be it said that he was long opposed to the idea, and used all means and every argument to dissuade others from adopting so perilous a proceeding.

In the end he was forced to give way, as was the case with all politicians who came in conflict with the all-powerful military party.

Admiral Holtzendorff came to us at that time, and the question was debated from every point of view in long conferences lasting for hours.

My then ministerial colleagues, Tisza and Clam, as well as myself were entirely in agreement with Emperor Charles in rejecting the proposal, and the only one who then voted unreservedly in favour of it was Admiral Haus.