The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-12-31

fices endured by tho allies. already
given its answer with admirable firm
mess and has denounced the empty
pretense OF the declaration OF the
enemy powers.
"They have the further object OF
stiffening public opinion in Germany
and I'm the countries allied to her
one and all severely tried by their
losses, worn out by economic pressure
and crushed by the supreme effort
which has been imposed upon their
Inhabitants.
"They endeavor TO deceive and in
timldate public opinion In neutral coun-
tries, whose inhabitants have long
since made up their minds where tho
Initial responsibilities lie and are far
too enlightened to favor the designs OF
Germany by abandoning the defense Of
human freedom
FINALLY. these overtures attempt TO
Justify In advance In the eyes OF the
world new series OF crimes-subma-
rine warfare. deportatiops. forced labor
and forced enlistment OF their inhabi-
tants against their own countries and
violations OF neutrality.
Fully conscious OF tho gravity OF
this movement. but equally conscious Of
its requirements. the allied govern
ments, closely united to one another
and in perfect sympathy with their
peoples, refuse TO consider n proposal
which In empty and inslnccre.
"Once again the allies declare that
no peace In possible 30 long as they
have not secured reparation for vio-
lated rights and liberties, the recog-
milton OF tho principle OF nationaii-
ties and OF the free existence OF small
states; 80 long as they have not
brought about n settlement calculated
10 end once and for all forces which
have constituted n perpetual menace to
tho nations and TO afford the only effec-
tive guarantee for the future security
OF the world.
I'm conclusion the allied powers
think Il necessary 10 put forward the
following considerations, which show tho
special situation Of Belgium after two
and a half years OF war: In virtue OF
the international treaties signed by Ave
great European powers. OF which Ger
many was one. Belgium enjoyed be-
lore the war special status. render
.ng her territory invioiabic and placing
her. under the guarantee Of the powers,
outside all European conflicts. She
was. however. In spite Of these treaties.
the first TO suffer the aggregation OF
Germany For this reason the Belgium
government thinks u necessary to do
ceased to pursue while fighting sido by
side with the entente powers for right
and justice.
"Desperste situation OF Belgium"
Belgium has always Hcrupulousiy
fulfilled the duties which her ncu'
trsiity imposed upon her. She has
taken up arms 60 defend her indi.
dependence and her neutrality. VIC
lated by Germany. and to show that
sho remains faithful TO her interna-
tionai obligations.
ION the 18th Of August, 1914, In the
RaichAtag. the German chancellor nd.
mitted that this aggression constI.
tuted an injustice contrary TO the
laws OF nations and pledged him'
self In the name OF Germany to re.
pair n. During two and a half years
this injustice has been cruelty ag'
gravatcd by the proceedings Of the
occupying forces. which have "N.
hausted the resources OF the coun'
try. ruined Its industries. devastated
It's towns and villages and have been
responsible for innumerablc massa
crcs, executions and imprironmentH.
AT this very moment, while DER
many IL proclaiming peace aud hu
manity TO the world. she II deport.
ing Belgian citizens by thousands and
reducing them To slavery.
belgium. before the war, asked
for nothing but TO live In harmony
with her nelshbors. Her King and
her government hay. but one aim
the re-est establishment OF peace and jus.
tice. but they only desire peace
which would assure To their country
Legitimate reparation. guarantees and
nafeNuards for the future"