The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-02-03

the statutes of the economical con-
ference in Paris, that it is their in
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 a sys-
tematic economical war against her.
1.-The attempt Of the four allied pow
ers to bring about peace has failed
| owing to the lust Of conquest of their
enemies. who desire to dictate the
conditions of peace. Under the pre-
tense of following the principle of
nationality our enemies have disclos-
ed 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
created which forces Germany to new
decisions. Since two years and half
England is using her naval power for
a 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 entering altogether to fore
go every trade not agreeable to the
entente powers or to limit it accord
ing to their arbitrary DEGREES.
THE American government knows
/ the steps which have been taken to
cause England and her allies to re-
turn to the rules of international law
and to respect the freedom of the
seas. The English government, how
ever. insists upon continuing it's war
Of starvation, which does not at all
affect the military powers of it's op-
ponents but compels women and
children, the sick and the aged to
suffer, for their country pains and
privations which endanger the vi
tality of the nation. Thus British
tyranny mercilessly increases the suf-
ferings of the world Indifferent to
the laws of humanity, Indifferent 20
the protests Of the neutrals whom
they severely harm, Indifferent even to
the silent longing for peace among
England's own allies. Each day of
the terrible struggle causes new de.
struction. new sufferings. 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 it's own conscience, be-
fore the German people and before
history the neglect Of any means des-
tined to bring about faas cnd ess- the
war. Like the president OF the
United States the imperial govern
Inent had hoped to reach this goal
by negotiations. After the attempts
to come to an understanding with
| the entente powers have been an
swered by the latter with the an
nOuncement Of an intensified con-
tinuation of the war. the imperial
government, in order to serve the
welfare Of mankind in higher sense
and not to wrong it's own people,
is now compelled to continue the fight
for existence, again forced upon it
with the full employment of all the
weapons which are at it's disposal.
Sincerely trusting that the people
and government of the United States
will understand the motives for this
decision and its necessity. the imperial
government hopes that the United
States may view the situation from
the lofty heights Of impartiality and
assist on their part to prevent further
misery and unavoidable sacrifice Of
human life.
Enclosing two memoranda regard
ing the details of the contemplated
military measures at sea, I remain,
etc.
tSigned) u. Bernstorff."