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Wilhelm II |
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A disastrous speech |
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The task which I am sending you out to do is a great one. You must see that a serious injustice is expiated. In this case the Chinese have dared to overturn a thousand year old international law and to make a mockery of the sanctity of the diplomat and the right of hospitality. The case is unprecedented in world history--and this from a people proud of its ancient culture! But you can see from this what a culture not based on Christianity comes to. Every heathen culture, no matter how beautiful or august, will come to nought at the first catastrophe! ...When you come upon the enemy, smite him. Pardon will not be given. Prisoners will not be taken. Whoever falls into your hands is forfeit. Once, a thousand years ago, the Huns under their King Attila made a name for themselves, one still potent in legend and tradition. May you in this way make the name German remembered in China for a thousand years so that no Chinaman will ever again dare to even squint at a German! You will have to fight a force superior in numbers. But, as our military history demonstrates, we are accustomed to this....Gather new laurels for your [regimental] flags. The blessings of the Lord go with you and your prayers. An entire nation accompanies you on all your paths. My best wishes to you for the fortune of your arms....And may God's blessing attach itself to your banner and bring a blessing upon this war so that Christianity may survive in that land and such sad events never reoccur. To this end stand by your oath. And now, a prosperous voyage! Adieu, comrades! Wilhelm speech to the German soldiers, on July 27, 1900, during the Boxer conflict. |
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Source: Ernst Johann (ed.), Reden des Kaisers: Ansprachen, Predigten und Trinksprüche Wilhelms II (Munich, 1966), pp. 86-88. Translated by Richard S. Levy. Quoted from http://www2.h-net.msu.edu/~german/gtext/kaiserreich/china.html#point3 This speech, pronounced in July 27, 1900 for the German troops who were being sent to suffocate the revolt of the Boxers, in China, received the name from "Huno". In consequence of it the German soldiers were nicknamed hunos for the Anglo-Saxon countries during World War I. |
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racism |
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