TaÌˆgliches Cincinnatier volksblatt. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1885-1919, 1914-12-21


of Baron Gfeindi and did not try to in
sure her Independence in the same wa,
by approaching Germany and maxim,
7 similar contract with her. This dis
: Iposes Of the contention that the Bel
yian conversation had purely defen
sive character as against all comers
II shows the one-sidedness OF the incl
nation, which Is evidenced also by th'
display Of all Belgium's fortresses oi
. the eastern frontier. &
GERAiANY,s ACTION JUSTIFIED.
Il The Belgian people bad been told al
the beginning Of the war that German,
, demanded that the Belgian force SHOULD
! fight with the Germans against th'
. French and the English, and the trutl
. lad become known only three full
! months later, when the Belgian Gray
! Book was published. Then Belgium
! was practically occupied territory
While Belgium pretended neutrality
and friendship toward Germany. II was
secretly planning for her defeat in war
which was considered unavoidable. The
poor Belgian people, however. must
suffer because Of the large ambitions OF
hing Leopold Of Congo fame and OF a
broken down diplomacy.
The imperial chancellor las declared
that there was irrefutable proof that II
Germany did not march through Bel
gitnn her enemies would. This proof, ap
now being produced, is of the strongest
character. So the chancellor was right
lin appealing 10 the law Of necessity.
although be had TO regret that 1t vio-
lated international law. This law Of
necessity has been recognized as para
mount by nearly every prominent
statesman, including Gladstone, and by
all teachers OF international law, even
by the United States Supreme Courts
decision, volume l50, page COL. stating
in regard TO the treaty with China con-
oerning Chinese immigration into the
United States: at viii not be presumed
that the legislative department Of the
government will lightly pass laws which
sre In conflict with the treaties Of the
country, but that circumstances may
arise which would not only justify the
government in disregarding their stipu-
laiions, but demand In the interests OF
the country that II should do so, there
can be nc. question. Unexpected events
may call for change in the policy OF
the country And to strengthen this
opinion another decision by Justice Cur
tis, rendered in 1908, may be cited,
stating that, awhile II would be mat.
ter OF the utmost gravity and delicacy
TO refuse to execute treaty, the power
TO do 50 was prerogative Of which no
country could be deprived without deep,
" affecting its independence"
We now publish these Belgian docn
ments which speak for themselves
TransIation OF the original
draft or the report or the Bel
CLAN Major General Duc rme
80 the Belgian minister OF war
concerning the formers con-
ferences with the British
military attaclle, Lieutenant
Colonel BarnmrdistOn.
Letter TO the minister concerning con.
fidential conversations with the war
minister.
lConfidential)
Brussels, April 10, 1906.
sfr-I have the honor 10 report to
yon briefly about the conversations
which ] had with Lieutenant Colonel |
Rarnsrdiston and which have already |
been the subject OF my oral communal |
cations. The first visit took place in the
middle Of January. Mr.. Barnardiston
referred to the anxieties Of the general
staff Of his country with regard 10 the
general political situation and because
Of the possibility that war may soon
break out. In case Belgium should be
attacked the sending OF about 100000
troops was provided for.
The Lieutenant Colonel asked me how
sdch measure would be regarded by
us. answered him that. from mill.
tary point Of view IT could not be but
favorable. but that this question Of In.