Page:The Mexican Problem (1917).djvu/87

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THE GERMAN POSITION
43

and France. Few Americans would believe it. I returned to Germany again in 1913, noted the military and financial measures, the decrees forbidding any new enterprises, and then declared that Germany could not afford a world war. Germany got her war, but says England is to blame, because if England had declared her intention to come in, Germany would never have thrown down the gage of battle.

Although plans have miscarried, it should not be forgotten that Germany is one vast business organization, intertwined with tariff, government and military power. The Germans were experting the Cerro Azul oil field and contemplated millions of investment therein before the war. It is good business for Germany to give Carranza financial assistance with a view to a standing after the war. It would be poor business for either Germany or Mexico to lay the gage of battle on the Rio Grande, for thereby the business aims of both would be defeated.

Germany looks ahead and wants business after the war. Mexico needs financial assistance and will need business development for many years to come.