The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-02-01
THE GERMAN REPLY
THREATENING SHIPPING

washington, ~. l.s Iep. l.~wFoiioW-
ing is tho official text of the German
note, addressed to Secretary Lansing,
and signed by Count Won Bernstortf;
Washington, ID. c., Jan. 81, 1877.
Mr.. Secretary Of State:
Your exccllency was good enough to
transmit to the imperial government a
copy Of the message which the president
Of the United States of America ad-
dressed to the Senate on the 22d inst.
Tho imperial government has given IT
the earnest consideration which the pres
idents statements deserve. inspired MS
they are by deep sentiment of respon-
sibility. 1t is highly gratifying TO the
imperial government to ascertain that
the main tendencies Of this important
statement correspond largely 10 the de-
sires and principles protested by Ger
many. These principles especially in
ciude self-goverrment and equality of
rights for all nations. Germany would
be sincerely glad if in recognition OF
this principle countries like Ireland and
India, which do not enjoy the benefits Of
political independence, should now OBJ
tain their freedom The German people
also repudiate all alliances which serve
to force the countries into a competition
for might and to involve them in net
of selfish intrigues. On the other hand,
Germany will gladly cooperate in all
efforts to prevent future wars. The free
dom of the seas. being preliminary
condition of the free existence of nations
and the peaceful intercourse between
them, as well as the open door for the
commerce of all nations, has always
formed part Of the leading principles OF
Germany's' political program. All the
more the imperial government regrets
that the attitude of her enemies who are
SO entirely opposed to reace makes it
impossible for the world at present to
bring about the realization of these lofty
ideals. Germany and her allies were
ready to enter now into discussion of
peace and had set down ms basis the
guaranty Of existence, honor and free de-
velopnient Of their peoples Their aims,
as has been expressly stated in the note
of December IL, 1915, were not directed
towards the destruction or humiliation
of their enemies and we're according TO
their conviction perfectly compatible
with tho rights of the other nations.
As to Belgium. for which such warm
and cordial sympathy is felt in the Unit
ell States, the chancellor had declared
only few weeks previously that Its an
nexation had never formed part of Ger
many's intentions. The peace to be de-
signed with Belgium was to provide for
such conditions in that country, with
which Germany desires 20 maintain
friendly neighhorly relations. that Bel
GUM should not be used again by Ger
nany's enemies for the purpose Of insti-
eating continuous hostile intrigues. Such
precautionary measures are all the more
necessary, as CeFrnany's enemies have
repeatedly stated not only in speeches
delivered By their leading men. but also
In the statutes of the economical confer
ence in Paris, that it is their intention
not to treat Germany as an equal even
after peace has been restored, but to
continue their hostile attitude and espe-
cialiy to wage systematic economical
warfare against her
The attempt of the four allied powers
to bring about peace has failed owing TO
the lust of conquest of their enemies who
desired to dictate the conditions of peace.
Under the pretense of following the
principle Of nationality cur enemies
have disclosed their real aims in this
way, viz: to dismember and dishonor
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and
Bulgaria. To the wish of Reorganization
they oppose the will of destruction.
They desire fight to the bitter end
A new situation has thus been created
which forces Germany to new decisions.
Since two years and a half England ia
using her naval power for criminal at
tempt to force Germany into submission
by starvation. In brutal contempt Of i'm
ternationRl law, the group of powers led
by ENGLAND does not only curtai the le-
ultimate trade of their opponents, but
they also by ruthless pressure compel
neutral countries either to altogether
foreco every trade not agreeable to the
entente yowers or TO limit il according
to their arbitrary DEGREES. The Ameri-
can government knows the steps which
have been taken To cause England and
her allies to return to the rules of inter-
national law and to respect the freedom
If the seas. The English government,
however, insists upon continuing its war
Of starvation, which does not at all af-
feet the military power of its opponents,
but eompeIs women and children, the
sick and the aged, to suffer for their
country pains and privstions which en-
danger the vitality of the nation. The
British tyranny rnerciiessiy increases the
of the world, Indifferent TO |
the laws of humanity, indifferent to the
protests of the neutrais whom they Sc
verely harm, indifferent even to the 81
lent longing for peace among England's
own allies. Each day of the terrible
struggle causes new destruction. new
suffcrin9s. Each day shortening the
war viii, on both sides, preserve the
life Of thousands of brave soldiers and
be benefit TO mankind.
The imperial government could not
Justify before its own conscience before
the German people and before history
The neglect of any means destined to
bring about the end of the war. Like
the president of the United States. the
imperial government had hoped to reach
his goal by negotiations. After the at
.enlpts to come to an understanding with
he entente powers have been answered
~ the latter with the announcement of
III intensified continuation of the war.
he imperial government lin order to
ierve the welfare Of m3nktad in a high
IT, sense and not 20 wrong les own peo-
ite--is now compelled to continue to
light for existence. again forced upon It,
With the full employment of all the
Weapons which are at its disposal.
Sincerely trusting that the people and
he government Of the United States will
Understand the motives for this decision
md its necessity, the imperial govern
nent hopes that the United States may
rev the new situation from the lofty
heights of impartiality and assist, on
heir part. to prevent further misery
nd unavoidable sacrifice of human life.
Enclosing two memoranda regarding
he details of the contemplated military
measures st sea, / remain, etc,