Chowrangi

It is said that history is the best teacher. As history usually repeats itself, one should always consult history to get ready for the future.

In Pakistan we debate on steps taken by the government after 9/11. Was Musharraf correct in accepting US terms? What if he had resisted? What would be the worst scenario in that case? Would it be worst than current situation?

On 2 August 1914, the day before Germany declared war on France, the German government wrote to the Belgian government demanding the right of free passage across Belgium for its troops, so that the Germans could most efficiently invade France and reach Paris.

Germany demanded:

1. Germany has in view no act of hostility against Belgium. In the event of Belgium being prepared in the coming war to maintain an attitude of friendly neutrality towards Germany, the German Government bind them selves, at the conclusion of peace, to guarantee the possessions and independence of the Belgian Kingdom in full.

2. Germany undertakes, under the above-mentioned condition, to evacuate Belgian territory on the conclusion of peace.

3. If Belgium adopts a friendly attitude, Germany is prepared, in cooperation with the Belgian authorities, to purchase all necessaries for her troops against a cash payment, and to pay an indemnity for any damage that may have been caused by German troops.

4. Should Belgium oppose the German troops, and in particular should she throw difficulties in the way of their march by a resistance of the fortresses on the Meuse, or by destroying railways, roads, tunnels, or other similar works, Germany will, to her regret, be compelled to consider Belgium as an enemy.

In this event, Germany can undertake no obligations towards Belgium, but the eventual adjustment of the relations between the two States must be left to the decision of arms.

The German Government, however, entertain the distinct hope that this eventuality will not occur, and that the Belgian Government will know how to take the necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of incidents such as those mentioned. In this case the friendly ties which bind the two neighbouring States will grow stronger and more enduring.

Belgium’s reply to what amounted to a German ultimatum (grant free passage or suffer occupation as an enemy of Germany) was delivered on 3 August 1914. It was a clear refusal of free passage. On the same day Germany declared war on France and invaded Belgium the next day, which resulted in Britain’s entry into the war to defend Belgian neutrality.

One wonders what would have happened if Belgium had accepted the German offer? Some of the leaders may have benefited but they would have gone down in history as leaders who surrendered sovereignty of their country for material gains. Now Belgium is still on the map but look what happened to Adolf Hitler and his Germany.

History tells us that leaders who surrender their sovereignty, their people and their country to invaders and oppressors, are not remembered by good names.

As Iqbal said:

Jaffar az Bengal, Sadiq az Deccan
Nang-e-deen, Nang-e-millat, Nange-e-watan

[Jaffar of Bengal and Sadiq of Deccan are disgrace to their religion, disgrace to mankind, and disgrace to their country!]

Source: FirstWorldWar.com

Inspired by a discussion between Mr. Roedad Khan and Dr. Shahid Masood

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