The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1916-12-15
GERMANY'S PEACE
NOTE TO NEUTRALS
Asks That Proposal be Transmitted
to Hostile Nations.

ber1lQ, OSC. 1T O11O"iiS -
note from Germany to neutrals ana
hostile belligerent nations:
"The most terrific war ever expert
enced in history has been raging Io'
the last two years and nall over
large part of the world-a catastrophe
which thousands of years OF common
civilization was unable 10 prevent, ahd
which Injuries the most "ec1ous
achievements of humanity. Our aims
are not to shatter nor annlh'Iate oui
adyersaries. In spite of our conscious
ness of our military and economic
strength and our readiness to conta-
ne the war (Which has been forcea
pDon us) until the bitter end II nee
essary: at the same time prompted ny
the desire to avoid further bloodsnea
and MAKE an end to the a'rocltleS
of war, the>tour Allied Powers pro-
pose to enter forthwith into peace
negotiations. The propositions when
they bring forward for such negoua-
tions and which have for their oDJec'
a guarantee OF the existence OF ene
honor and liberty of evolution lo'
their nations are, according to tnelf
firm belief an appropriate basis TOT
the establishment Of lasting peace
"The four Allied Powers have oeeh
Obliged to take up arms to de1eno
r Justice and the liberty OF national
evolution. The glorious deeds OF our
armies have in no way altered tnelf
purpose. We always maintained 'ns
Arm belief that our own rights ana
justified claims in no way con'roi Inc
rights of these nations.
"The spiritual and material pro-
gress which were the pride OF Eu-
rome at the beginning Of the twentieth
century are threatened with rum
germany and her allies, Austria Hun
gary. Bulgaria and Turkey, gave PROOF
of their unconquerable strength IN
tbis struggle. They gained gigantic
advantages over adversaries superior
in number and war material. oul
lines stand unshaken against every
reneated attempt made by armles.
.The last advance in the Balkans
has been rapidly and victoriously oV-
ercome The most recent eyafcs nave
demanded that further continuance o.
the war will not result in breakihs :
the resistance of our forces ana the
whole situation with regard 10 our
troops justifies our expectation OF 1ur-
ther successes"
"If in spite of this offer OF peace
and reconciliation the struggle snoulo
go on the four Allied Powers are re-
solved to continue to victorious emu
hut thew disclaim responsibility 1of
this before humanity end history. Tnis
imperial government through tns
good Offices of your excellency asA
the government of (here is inserted
the name of the neutral power ao-
dressed in each instance) to BRING
This communication to the knowledge
Of the government of (here are insert
ed the names of the belligerents).
After reading the note the chancel-
lor said:
"Gentlemen, in August, 1914, our
enemies challenged the superiority
of power in the world war. Toaay
we raise the question of peace, Wnlch
is a question of humanity. We await
the answer of our enemies with tina!
.sereneness of mind which is guaran-
teed to US by our exterior and inter-
1or strength and by our clear con-
sciousness. If our enemies oecilne
to end the war, if they wish to take
upon themselves the worlds NeaVy
burden of all these terrors, when
hereafter will follow, then even IN the
least and smallest homes every Ger
man heart will burn in sacred wrath
against our enemies, who are unWlii-
ing to stop human slaughter, in order
that their plan of conquest and ami
hilation may continue.
~In fateful hour we took a fatelui
decision. God will be the judge. we
can proceed upon our way without
fear and unashamed. We are ready