New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-15
Tells Germany She Is
Defying Humanity
and Law
BAD EFFECT ON
NEUTRAL OPINION
Charge at Berlin Instruct
ed to Deal Directly
with Chancellor
From The Tribune Bureau J


Washington, Nov. l4.--The United
States has entered a vigorous pro.
test with the German government
against the wholesale deportation OF
Belgians from their country.
The government has learned tina.
in many instances these non-com-
batants are forced to dig trenches
and do other military work for their
enemies. The Belgian government
has announced its intention to appeal
to the neutral world that her citizens
are being led into practical slavery.
SO serious has the German move
become that American Charge Grew
at Berlin has been instructed to take
the matter up personally with Chan
cellor Won Bethmann-Hollweg.
In Defiance Of Humanity
The Charge has been directed TO
tell the Chancellor that the German
measures are in defiance of humanity
and international law, and are pro-
ducing a most unfortunate effect or
neutral opinion. This is particularly
true in the United States, he was
instructed to say, as the welfare of
the Belgian civilian population is
largely in the care of Americans and
the American people are therefore
deeply concerned.
The instructions, it was learned
to-day, grew out of long report
from Charge Grew in which he
stated that he had discussed the situ--
alton informally and unofficially with
Herr Zimmerman, Under Secretary
Of Foreign Affairs. The latter ad-
mitted that definite policy had been
adopted to enforce the labor of Bel
gians in cases where they would not
work voluntarily, on the ground that
so many refused to work as to make
the strain on public charity intoler-
able.
Violation of Pledges
The deportations are viewed here not
only as a violation of international law.
but in a degree as a violation OF Ger
msny's assurances to Ambassador Ger
ard last June, which, though relating
10 the 10000 French women and girls
deported from Lille, RoubsIr and
Tourcoing, are felt TO be applicable TO
the Belgian situation. At that time,
when Mr.. Gerard had gone TO General
Headquarters in France to discuss the
attack on the Sussex with Emperor
William, all the American relief work
ers in Northern France were called into
conference and assurances given by the
Germans that no further deportstions
would be made. The case OF the Bel
rians is considered identical in prin-
ciple.
Reports from Rome, that the United
States has joined or will join the Vati-
can. Spain or the Netherlands. In
ioint protest are declared untrue. In
this question as in the many others
that have arisen during the war, the
United States will act Independently
The deportations sre regarded by
some officials here as an attempt to
relsa,e German workers for the firing
line by replacing them with Belgians.
More than any other one thing, this
!. exnected 70 increase the bitterness
Of the Allies toward Germany and
their desire for peace through a crush
ino victory. Foreign Ministers Beyens
and Cardinal Mercier, Of Belgium. have
issued public appeals TO the neutral
nations to effect a cessation Of the
I lamentations. England also Is deeply
concerned.
Reports Vary Little
Reports as TO the deportations vary
in detail but not in principle. Those
who 70 to Germany voluntarily are
made to sign a general free-will con-
tract, under which they are assured
good food. a salary. guarantee of care
for their families and freedom OF cor
respondence with them. Those rsfus-
ing to sign are said to be eoereed
where possible through imprisonment
II this is unsuccessful in obtaining
their signature the labor is compulsory
at 80 pfennigs a day. without provision
for families or permission 10 corrs-
spond.
The deportations assumed their most
systematic form when, on October 10,
the German Governor General was re-
ported to have requested the presi-
dents of the Comites Rationale de Sc
cours, under penalty of imprisonment,
TO furnish lists Of all Belgians receiv-
ing aid. Many Of the presidents re-
fused and were at once put in Jail. on
the basis Of the lists that were OBJ
tanned, however, drafts were begun at
once. No accurate information has
been received either as TO how many
have been deported or where. Ths
work TO which they have been sent IS
designated as "industrial."