"An act of aggression committed on the territory of a
neighbor by detachments of regular troops commanded by
officers assumes an importance of quite a different nature."
Herr von Jagow explained to me that he had no knowledge of
the facts of which I was speaking to him, and he added that
it was difficult for events of this kind not to take place
when two armies filled with the feelings which animated our
troops found themselves face to face on either side of the
frontier.
At this moment the crowds which thronged the Pariser Platz
in front of the Embassy and whom we could see through the
window of my study, which was half open, uttered shouts
against France. I asked the Secretary of State when all this
would come to an end.
"The Government has not yet come to a decision," Herr von
Jagow answered. "It is probable that Herr von Schoen will
receive orders today to ask for his passports and then you
will receive yours." The Secretary of State assured me that
I need not have any anxiety with regard to my departure, and
that all the proprieties would be observed with regard to me
as well as my staff. We were not to see one another any more
and we took leave of one another after an interview which
had been courteous and could not make me anticipate what was
in store for me.
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