Grand Forks herald., 1917-03-01
GERMANY SOUGHT ALLIANCE WITH MEXICO AND
JAPAN FOR WAR AGAINST UNITED STATES; THE JAFSS
WERE TO GET CONTROL OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN

Washington. March 1.-The Associ-
ated Press is enabled to reveal that
Germany. in planning Unrestricted
submarine warfare and counting its
consequences, proposed an alliance
with Mexico and Japan to make war
on the United States. il this country
should not remain neutral.
Japan. through Mexican mediation,
was to be urged to abandon her allies
and Join in the attack on the United
States.
Partition U. S.
Mexico, for her reward, was to re-
ceive general financial support from
Germany. re-conquer Texas, New
Mexico and Arizona-lost provinces
and share in the victorious peace
terms Germany contemplated.
Details were left to German Minis
ter Won Eckhardt in Mexico City, who
by instructions signed by German
Foreign Minister zimmerman, at Ber-
lin, January 10, 1917, was directed to
propose the alliance with Mexico to
General Carranza and suggest that
Mexico seek to bring Japan into the
plot.
Sent Through Bernstorff.
These instructions were transmitted
to Won Eckhardt through Count Won
Bernstorff, former German ambassa-
dor here. now on his way home to
Germany under safe conduct OBJ
tanned from his enemies by the coun-
try against which he was plotting war.
Germany pictured to Mexico, by
broad intimation. England and the
entente allies defeated; Germany and
her allies triumphant and in world
domination by the instrument Of un-
restricted warfare.
Text of Letter.
a m -,
tions to Won Eckhardt. sent through
Won Bernstorff, is in possession Of the
United States government. 1t is as
follows:
Berlin. January 10. 1917.
ION the first Of February we in
tend to begin submarine warfare un-
restricted. In spite of this. it IS our
the United States of America.
IF this attempt is not successful,
we propose an alliance on the follow
ing basis with Mexico: That we shall
make war together and together
make peace. We shall give general
financial support and 1t Is understood
that Mexico Is to reconquer the lost
territory in New Mexico, Texas and
Arizona. The details are left to you
for settlement.
Japan Also.
"You are instructed to inform the
president of Mexico of the above in
is certain that there will be an out
break Of war with the United States
and suggest that the president Of
Mexico, on his own initiative, should
communicate with Japan. suggesting
adherence at once to this plan; at the
same time, offer to mediate between
Germany and Japan.
please call to the attention Of the
president of Mexico that the employ
now promises to compel England to
make peace in a few months.
| (Signed) Zimmerman"
This document has been in the
hands of the government since Presi-
dent Wilson broke Off diplomatic re-
lations with Germany.
Answers Chancellor.
| 1t has been kept secret. while the
president has been asking congress for
full authority to deal with Germany
| and while congress has been hesitat-
[ ing. 1t was in the presidents hands
| while Chancellor Won Bethmann-Holl-
veg was declaring that the United
States had placed an Interpretation on
the submarine declaration Never in
| tended by Germany" and that Ger
! many had promoted and honored
| friendly relations with the United
States "as an heirloom of Frederick
! the Great
OF itself. if there were no other, it
is considered sufficient answer to the
German chancellor's plant that the
United States "brusquely' broke off
| relations without giving "authentic"
reasons for its action.
Makes Things Clear.
The document supplies the missing
link to many separate chains Of cir
cumstances. which until now have
seemed to lead to no definite point.
1t sheds new light upon the Frequently
reported but indefinable movements Of
the Mexican government to couple its
situation with the friction between the
United States and Japan. 1t adds
ports Of Jules Cambon. French am