The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1916-12-13
BERLIN REPLIESTO
US. ON BELCIANS
Washington hfiisintormed, Says
German Note.
OFFERS TO PERMIT INSPECTION
Asnwer Reviews Situation in Conquer
ed Country and Accuses Allies of
Violating Laws of Humanity.

Violating Laws of Humanity.
Berlin, Dec. 13.-The secretary OF
foreign affairs, DR.. Alfred Zimmerman
has handed to the secretary of the
American embassy, Joseph C.. Grew
the German reply to the American rep
reservations on the Belgian depor,a
tons.
Germany's answer is confined almost
exclusively to presentation of the
situation in Belgium before the de
portation order became effective. The
note declares that there was urgent
need of some kind of work for the
Belgians because their idleness was
causing decentralization and says that
the deported workers are assured OF
well-being in new situations in Ger
many.
The reply volunteers to permit
American diplomatic representatives
to visit the workmen's camps and as
sure themselves that the Belgians are
sell off. 1t concludes with an expires
sion of regret that the United States
has never seeh fit to protest against
what it describes as the dragging of
of Germans from East Prussia. Ais ce,
and other places, to Siberia and else
where.
These actions, of which it accuses
the allies, are characterized in the re
ply as a severe violation OF the Tvs
of humanity. The note declares that
tho Harp,op oovornypoot &c ooovinoad
that the United States has been mis-
Informed in regard to the measures
taken.
The lack Of work in Belgium. 1t is
stated. has increased until 1880 900
are suffering and an unbearable situa
ton Is created. Nothing renamed
therefore, the note continues, but to
offer the voorhees, situations in Ger
many. since work for all was not a.
hand in BELGIUM. It Is contended
that the majority Of those who have
come to Germany are happy and en-
tented, with hioh wares and increased
personal liberties, and that only tho-e
who prefer to loaf have been compel
led to work.
The answer declares that the me"s
ure is entirely in accord with inte-
national law. and cites Article 43 of
The Fague convention, which reqr res
an invading government to maintain
order. This, it is maintained, is pos
sible only in BELGIUM by providins
that people who are able to work shall
have opportunity to do so, and shall
not fall a burden on charity.
The note says that the measure has
been carried out without severity, and
with all possible consideration. Mis-
takes, It asserts, have rarely occurred
and have been due in part to the fact
that Belgians Themselves erred in
making up the lists of those to b.
transported to Germany by includ'n
persons UNAFFECTED by Governor Gen
eral Won Bissing's order Of May Is.
1916.
The note goes on to say that Be-
CLANS now working in Germany ar
engaged without exception in occura
tons permissible under intern ationa'
law, such as legitimate agriculture am
industrial pursuits, and that the Ger
man government regrets extremely
that the situation has been completed
misrepresented in the United States
by the lying press of Germ'ny's enc
mics" The German government, ii
is declared. in the interest of the Bel.
gian population, would also regret il
the activities of the Relgian relief
committee were affected.