The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1917-02-02
GERMANY REvokEs PLEDGES TO
Y. S. IN STRONG NOTE RE-
cEivEo AT WASHINGTON.
RUTHLESSSEA WARFARE
ACTION TO FORCE PEACE NEGo
TiATioNs IN SHORT TIME Is
THE TEUToNIc VIEW.

| Western Newspaper Union News Service.
Washington-Follow is the note
of the Imperial German Government
announcing Its decision to adopt pol
icy OF unrestricted naval warfare,
which was handed to Secretary Lans-
ing by Count Won Bernstorf:
Mr.. Secretary of State:-Your Excel
lency was good enough to transmit 10
the imperial government copy OF the
message which the President of the
United States of America addressed TO
the Senate on the 22nd inst. The i'm
perial government has given 1t the
earnest consideration which the Presi-
dents statements deserve, inspired as
they are by deep sentiment OF re-
sponsibility. 1t is highly gratifying 10
the imperial government to ascertain
that the main tendencies OF TINS I'M
portant statement correspond largely
to the desires and principles professed
BY Germany. The principles especially
include self government and equality
of rights for all nations. Germany
would be sincerely glad If in recogni-
tion Of this principle countries like Ire
land and India. which do not enjoy the
benefits of political independence,
should now obtain their freedom
The German people also repudiate all
alliances which serve to force the coun-
tries into a competition for might and
to involve them in a net of selfish in
trigues- On the other hand, Germany
Will gladly cooperate in all efforts to
prevent future wars. The freedom OF
the seas, being a preliminary condl-
tion 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 re-
grets that the attitude of her enemies,
who are entirely opposed to peace.
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
as basis the guaranty of existence, hon
or and free development of their peo-
pies. Their aims, as has been express
ly stated in the note of Decembe IL.
1916. were not directed toward the de-
struction or annihilation of their enc
mics and were according to their con-
viction perfectly compatible with the
rights of other nations.
As to Belgium. for which such warm
and cordial sympathy is felt in the
United States, the chancellor had de-
clared only few weeks previously
that its annexation had never formed
part of Germanys intentions. The
peace to be signed with Belgium was
to provide for such conditions in that
country, with which Germany desires
tions. that Belgium should not be used
again by Germanys enemies for the
purpose Of tnstgating continuous hos
tile intrigues. Such precautionary meas
ures are all the more necessary, as
Germanys enemies have repeatedly
stated. not only in speeches delivered
by their leading men, but also in the
statutes of the economical conference
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 es-
pecially to wage systematical eco
nomical war against her.
The attempt of the four allied pow
ers to bring about peace has failed ow-
Ing TO the lust OF conquest of their . u-
emies, who desired to dictate the con-
ditions of peace Under the pretense
OF following the principle of national
ity our enemies have disclosed their
real aims in this way. viz: to dismem-
Der and dishonor Germany. Austria
Hungary. Turkey and Bulgaria To the
wish of reconciliation they oppose the
viii OF destruction. They desire fight
TO the bitter end A new situation thus
has been created which forces Germany
TO new decisions. Since two years and
half ago England is using her naval
power Tor n 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 to forego altogether
every trade not agreeable to the en-
tente powers or TO limit ii according to
their arbitrary DEGREES.
The American government knows the
steps which have been taken to cause
rules OF International law and to re-
Speet the freedom of the seas. The
EnElish government. however insists
upon continuing its war of starvation
which does not at all affect the mill
tary power OF its opponents, but com
pels women and children. the sick and
the aged, to suffer for their country
pains and privstions which endanrer
the vitality of the nation Thus Brit
ian tyranny merctlessly increases the
suffering OF the world, indifferent to
Inc laws of humanity. indifferent to
the protests of the neutrals whom they
severaly harm. indifferent even to the
land own allies. Each day of the ter
riole struggle causes new destruction
new SufteringS Each day shortening
the war Will. on both sides, preserve
the HNes OF thousands of brave soldiers
ana De a benefit to mankind.
ms imperial government could not
lustiy before its own conscience be-
Tore the German people and before his
tory. the neglect of any means drs
tined TO bring about the end of the
war. Like the President OF the United
states the imperial government had
nopeo TO reach this goal by negotia-
tionS After the attempts to come to
an understanding with the entsnts
powers have been answered by the lat
ter with the announcement OF an In
tenstfied continuation OF the war the
imperial government. In order 10 serve
tne welfare OF mankind In higher
sense and not to wrong its own nsn
pie. Is now compelled to continue IN,
itsht Ter existence, again forced upon
II with the full employment of all IN.
weapons which are at its disposal .
Enclosing two memoranda regarding
the details OF the contemplated mill
ssrS measures at sea. remain. etc.