New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-05
BELGIANRELIEF
WORK In PERIL
Allies Warn World
That Germans Have
Broken All Pledges

London, Dec. 4.-The British govern
ment, in conjunction with Britain's
Allies, has issued a declaration re-
gsrding the present state Of Belgium"
in which protest is made TO the civ
ilized world against the "slave raids"
conducted by the German authorities
in Belgium, and a warning given TO the
world that "the work Of relief which
neutrals have built up is in danger Of
falling"
The document, after reciting the as
sistance the Entente Allies have given
in the past in the work of relief in
Belgium, says:
"The Allies stipulated that the Ger
mans should equally draw no advantage
from the operations Of the neutral
commission; that they should not seize
imported or native supplies, and that
the distribution of relief should not
be used for the purpose of coercing Bel
gian workmen against their conscienees.
German Pledges Broken
These conditions, which the Ger
mans were pledged to obey, have been
frequently violated. But the infrae-
tions in the past have been disavowed
by the German government and the
Allies have been content 70 rely upon
the neutral commission to watch and
enforce the fuflment Of the condi-
tions under which it worked.
Nov, however, the situation IS
changing. The Germans have aban-
doned all pretence of respecting per-
sonal freedom in Belgium. They have
deliberately ordered the suspension OF
the public relief works supported by
the commission, and openly aimed At
creating unemployment, which fur
nishes them an excuse for deporta-
tions.
"They have become themselves the
organizers and cooperators in man
hunts which they pledged themselves
by the Brussels convention of 1890 to
nut down in Africa. The machinery OF
Belgian industry is now totally de-
stroyed and exports OF Belgian food
stuffs have again begun on a large
scale.
Relief Work in Danger
"The Allies must therefore warn the
world of what is about to take place.
The Central Empires. as their own SIT
uatlon grows more desperate. intend TO
tear up every guarantee on which the
work Of the relief commission rests.
They intend 10 cast aside all their
promises and use Belgian foodstutfs
and Belgian labor TO support their own
failing strength. The work of relief
which the neutrals have built up for
two wears is about 10 lose its founda-
tion and is in danger of falling.
"The Allies do not intend TO change
their policy or desert the oppressed
population of Belgium in this most
critical moment Of the war, but as IT
will be impossible for the relief work
10 continue il its basic guarantees are
destroyed they appeal TO the civilized
world not on their own behalf, but on
behalf of innocent civilians, who can
not protect themselves. 70 see that this
great work Of international benevolence
and cooperation. which has grown up
amid the war and for which the Al
lies have advanced money. shall not
be endangered by treachery or de-
stroyed by violence.
Other Territories Involved
"But they remind the world that the
German policy which stands revealed
is being carried out not only in Bel
eium. but in North France and all the
occupied territories. The Allies pledge
themselves not 10 seek in the future
any more than in the past any advan-
tage from the operations Of this purely
neutral commission"
Documents received here give the
text Of the reply of General Won Bis
sing, military governor OF Belgium, 10
Con,Inued On maze q column