The state herald., 1917-01-05

goal in two months, discovered after
two years that they could never at
tain It.
"As for the future, the disasters
caused by the German declaration OF
war and the innumerable outrages
committed by Germany and her allies
against both belligerents and neutrals,
demand penalties, reparation and
guarantees. Germany avoids mention
of any of these.
In reality these overtures made by
the central powers are nothing more
than calculated attempt to influence
the future course of war and to end II
by imposing a German peace. The oh.
ject of these overtures Is to create
disssension in public opinion in the
allied countries. But that public opin
ion has. in spite of all the sacrifices
endured by the allies, already given Its
answer with admirable firmness 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 in 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 inhsbi.
tants.
Finally, these overtures attempt to
justify in advance in the eyes OF Tho
world series of crimes, submarine
warfare. deportations, forced labor and
forced enlistment Of the inhabitants
against their own country and viola.
tions of neutrality.
Fully conscious of the gravity OF
this moment. but equally conscious ot
It's requirements. the allied govern.
ments. closely united TO one another
peoples. refuse to consider a proposal
which is empty and insincere.
Once again the allies declare that
no peace is possible so long as they
have not secured reparation for violat-
ed rights and liberties. the recognition
OF the principle of nationalities and of
the free existence of small states: SO
long as they have not brought about n
settlement calculated to end At once
and for all forces which have cons;i.
tuted a perpetual menace to the ma.
tions and TO afford the only effective
guarantee for the future security of
the world.
IN conclusion the allied powers
think 1t necessary TO put forward the
following considerations, which show
the special situation of Belgium after
two and a half years OF war:
in virtue of the international treat
les signed by five great European
powers. OF whom Germany was one.
Belgium enjoyed before the war
special status, rendering her territory
inviolable 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 aggression OF Germany. For
this reason the Belgian government
thinks II necessary to define the aims
which Belgium has never ceased TO
pursue while fighting side by side
with the entente powers for right and
justice.
Belgium has always scrupulously
fulfilled the duties which her neutral
ity imposed upon her. She has taken
up arms to defend her independence
and her neutrality violated by Ger.
many and to show that she remains
faithful TO her international oblira.
tons"
"On the ith of August, 1914. In the
Reichstag the German chancellor ad-
mittcd that this aggression constituted
an injustice contrary TO the laws o!
and pledged himself in The
name OF Germany to repair II. DIR
Ing two and "A half years this injustice
has been cruelty aggravated by the pro
ceedlngs of the occupying forces.which
have exhausted the resources OF the
ruined It's industries. deyas.
tatcd Its towns and villages, and have
been responsible for innumerable mas.
sacres. executions and imprisonments.
AT this very moment, w,iiie Ger
many Is proclaiming peace and human.
ity 10 the world she is deporting Bel
gian citizens by thousands and reluc-
Ing them to slavery.
Belgium before the war asked Tor
nothing but to live In harmony with
her ncighbors. Her king and her gov
have but one aim-the rc.os-
OF peace and justice. Bui
they only desire peace which would as.
sure their country legitimate repara.
tion. guarantees and safeguards for