New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-01
Repudiates Submarine Pledge
TO the United States

IVashin0ton Jan. 3f-AmbdSSGdOr ron Ber1StorB
presented the foIIo,oing memorandum from the Ger
man Government to Secretary Of State Lansing t0-doy'
Washington, Jan. 3D. 1917.
Mr. Secretary of State
Your Excelency good enough to transmit to the
Imperial Government copy OF the message which the
President Of the United States Of America addressed 10
the Senate the I'D inst. he Imperial Government
has given it the earnest consideration which the Fres-
dents statements deserve inspired as they are by oeeP
sentiment OF responsibility.
1t is highly gratifying to the Imperial Government TO
ascertain that the main tendencies Of this important state
correspond largely to the desires and principles pro
fessed by Germany These principles especially include
self government and equality OF rights tor all nations
Germany would be sincerely glad if in recognition
of this principle countries like Ireland and India which
do not enjoy the benefits OF political independence
should obtain their freedom.
The German people also repudiae all alliances
which force the countries into competition TOR
might and to involve them in a net OF selfish lntrlgues
On the other hand Germany will gladly cooperate
in all efforts prevent future he freedom OF the
seas being preliminary condition OF the tree existence
of nations and the peaceful intercourse between mem "
we'll the open door for the OF all nations has
always formed part Of the leading principles OF Ger
manys political programme.
Ali the more the Imperial Government regrets that
the attitude of her enemies who entirely opposed
TO peace makes impossible for the world at present to
bring about the realization OF these lofty ideals Ger
many and her allies ready to enter now INTO dis
cusson of peace and had down basis the guaranty
Demands Safeguards in Belgium
Their aims as has been expressly stated in the note
Of December H. l9 g. directed toward the de
structon or annihation of their enemies and were ac
cording their conviction perfectly compatible with the
rights of the other nations
As to Belgium for which such warm and cordial sym
pahy felt the United States the Chancellor had de
clared only few weeks previously that its annexation
had formed part Of Germany intentions. Inc
peace to be signed with Belgium to provide tor such
conditions in that country with which Germany desires
to maintain friendly neighborly relations that Belgium
should not be used again by Germany enemies tor the
purpose of nstigating continuous hostile inrgues
Such precautionary measures all the more neces
sary as Germanys enemies have repeatedly stated not
only in speeches delivered by their leading men, but also
in the statutes of the economical conference Pars that
it is their intention treat Germany equal even
after peace has been restored but continue their hostile
attitude and especially TO wage systematcal economic
against her.
The attempt of the four allied powers to bring about
peace has failed owing the lust of conquest OF their
enemies who desired to dictate the conditions OF peace
Under the pretence Of following the principle OF nation
atty enemies have disclosed their real aims IN thus
yvav viz To dsmember and dshonor Germany Austria
Hungary Turkey and Bulgaria o the wish OF recon
citation 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. For two years and halt
England has been using her naval power tor criminal
attempt force Germany into submission by starvation
In brutal contempt of international law, the group
of powers led by Eng land does not only curta the egiti
mate trade of their opponents but they also, by ruthless
pressure compel neutral countries either altogether to
oego every trade agreeable to the Entente powers
or to limit according their arbitrary decrees
Britain Starves Women and Children
The American government knows the steps which
have been taken to England and her allies to re-
turn to the rules Of international law and to respect the
freedom of the seas The English government however
insists upon continuing its Of starvation which does
not at all affect the military power OF its opponents but
compels and children, the sick and the aged to
suffer for their country pains and Prvatons which en-
danger the vitality of the nation
Thus British tyranny mercilessy increases the suffer
nzs of the world; Indifferent to the laws OF humanity
Indifferent the protests of the neutras whom they Sc
verey HARM Indifferent to the silent longing tor
peace among Engands allies Each day OF the ter
ribe struggle destruction, new suferinss'
Each day shortening the will both sides preserve
the life of thousands OF brave soldiers and be benefit to
mankind. p
The Imperial Government could not justify before
its own conscience, before the German people and be
fore history the neglect OF means destined to orns
abou, the end of the Like the President OF the
United States. the Imperial Government had hoped 10
reach this goal by negotiations.