CHAPTER XIX

MINISTERIAL, DIPLOMATIC, AND CONSULAR FAILINGS

MINISTERS SELECTED BY INFLUENCE, NOT MERIT--GERMAN EMBASSIES HEADQUARTERS OF ESPIONAGE--HOW ENGLISH EMBASSIES HAMPERED SECRET SERVICE WORK--BERNHARDI ON THE BLOCKADE--ENGLAND'S OPEN DOORS--A MINISTER'S FAILINGS--BRITISH VICE-CONSUL'S SCANDALOUS REMUNERATION--ALIEN CONSULS--HOW ITALY WAS BROUGHT INTO THE WAR--HOW THE SYMPATHIES OF TURKEY AND GREECE WERE LOST--THE FAILURE OF SIR EDWARD GREY--ASQUITH'S PROCRASTINATION 239