The Leader, enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1915-1921, 1917-02-02
UNRESTRICTED NAVAL WAR.
FARE BY GERMANY
Continued from First Page.

chancellor had declared that its an
nexation had never formed part OF
Germany's intentions. The peace to
be signed by Belgium was to pro-
vide for such conditions in that coun-
try with which Germany desires to
maintain friendly neighborly relations
that Belgium should not be used
again by Germany's enemies for the
purpose of instigating continuous hos
tile intrigucs. Such precautionary
measures are all the more necessary,
as Germany's enemies have repeated
Iy stated not only in speeches deliv-
cred by their leading men, but also
in the statutes OF the economical con-
tention not TO treat Germany as an
equal, even after peace has been re-
stored but to continue their hostile
attitude and especially to wage sys-
tematic economical war against her.
crs to bring about peace has failed
owning to the lust OF conquest Of
heir enemies, who desired to dictate
the conditions Of peace. Under the
pretense Of following the principle Of
nationality, our enemies have disclos-
cd their real aims in this war, viz, to
dismember and dishonor Germany,
Austria Hungary, Turkey and Bulga-
ria. To the wish OF reconciliation,
they oppose the will OF destruction.
They desire fight to the bitter end.
A new situation has thus been Gre
ated which forces Germany to new
decisions. Since two years and half
England is using her naval power for
criminal attempt to force Germany
into submission by starvation In
brutal contempt of international law
the group OF powers led by England
does not only curtail the legitimate
trade Of their opponents but they also
by ruthless pressure compel neutral
countries either altogether to forego
every trade not agreeable to the En-
tcnte powers or to limit it according
to their arbitrary DEGREES. The AM
erican government knows the steps
which have been taken to cause Eng
land and her allies to return to the
rules of international law and to re-
spcct the freedom OF the seas. The
English government, however, in
sists upon continuing its war of star
walton, which does not affect at all
the military powers OF its opponents
but compels women and children, the
sick and the aged, to suffer for their
country pains and privations which
cndanger the vitality of the nation
Thus British tyranny mercilessly i'll
creases the sufferings of the world. in
different to the laws OF humanity in
different to the protests OF the ncu-
trails whom they severely HARM in
different even to the silent longing
for peace among England's own al
lies. Each day of the terrible strug-
gle causes new destruction, new suf
ferings Each day shortening the war
will on both sides preserve the life OF
thousands of brave soldiers and be a
benefit to mankind
The imperial government could not
justify before its own conscience, be-
tore the German people and before
history the neglect of any means de-
Strncd to bring about the end of the
war. Like the President OF the
United States, the imperial govern
ment had hoped to reach this goal by
negotiations. After the attempts to
come to an understanding with the
Entente powers have been answered
by the latter with the announcement
of an intensified continue ton of the
war, the imperial government-in or
der to serve the welfare of mankind
III higher sense and not to wrong
its own peoples now compelled to
continue the fight for existence, again
forced upon it with the full employ
ment of all the weapons which are at
its disposal.
Sincerely trusting that the people
and government of the United States
will understand the motives for this
decision and its necessity, the inn
perial government hopes that the
United States may view the situation
from the lofty heights of impartiality
and assist on their part to proven,
further misery and unavoidable sac
rihce of human life.
Enclosing two memoranda regard
ing the details of the contemplated
military measures at sea, I remain.
(Slgned) !. Bernstorff
! Eighty U-Boat Fleet Sent to Sea
! Amsterdam, Feb. l.-Germanv has
sent to sea the mightiest fleet of sub.
marines ever known to enhance the
new blockade which she has pro.