Evening star., 1917-03-01
German Intrigue in Mexico.

| German intrigue with Mexico, and
possibly with Japan, is brought to light
by document which by as yet unex-
planned means has been made public, a
note of instruction from the German
minister of foreign affairs to the min
lister from Berlin at Mexico City. This
note, dated January 10, announces the
intention to begin unrestricted subma-
rine warfare on the 1st of February
and the intention to endeavor to keep
the United States neutral. In case this
effort is unsucceSsful-in short, in ease
of break between Germany and the
United States-Germany proposes an al
lance with Mexico under which the two
| countries should make war and peace
together, Germany to give financial sup
port to Mexico and virtually pledging
to Mexico the restoration of the Host
territory in Texas, Arizona and New
Mexico.
Such an alliance between Germany
and a potential enemy of the United
States in the event of war would be a
reasonable development, but the move
ment for q coalition in advance even of
the change of German policy in antiei-
patton of the possible effect upon the
United States is most distinctly an un-
friendly procedure. which in normal cir
eumstanees might be deemed abundant
| cause for break This offense is rem
| dered the more grievous by the fact that
that the President of Mexico should ION
his own initiative" communicate with
Japan suggesting adherence to this plan.
In short, it now appears that Ger
many has sought to form an alliance
against the United States with two cOun-
tries with whom this country is now at
peace. The fact that there has been
serious friction with Mexico for many
months and that the relations between
the United States and Japan have at
times been strained over the immigra-
tioH question does not lessen the seri-
BUSINESS of Germany's offense in under
taking an intrigue having for it's object
the conformation of the United States
by a formidable alignment
The disclosure of this plot will
strengthen the pressure for prepared
ness in this country and increase the
likelihood of war with Germany.
The bogy of 4 coalition between Mex
leo and Japan, however formidable such
combination might be, cannot frighten
this government from its course in insist
ing upon a full recognition of American
rights at sea. On the other hand, it is
probable that the uncovering of this
plot means it's failure. Certainly as to
Japan there is little likelihood of sue
cess. Mexico herself would be of slight
assistance to Germany in case of a war
between that country and this. Sus-
pieions are now entertained of secret
assistance rendered by Mexico to Ger
many, and an alignment in the open
would render Mexico an object of at
tack by the naval forces Of Great Brit
ain and France, to Me1ieos serious in
jury.
Troublesome as the Mexican problem
is and difficult as the German issue may
become, no thought of withdrawal from
the position now taken can be enter
tanned with respect to either. The
United States will continue to insist
upon the maintenance of order to the
full extent of the power Of the present
government Of Mexico throughout the
boundary territory. 1t will continue as
we'll to insist upon the Observance of
American sea rights by Germany. The
prospect Of Mexican invasion, even
with Japanese assistance, will not deter
this government in the least from prose
cutting its course.