Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-01
TO SINK ALL SHIPS
WITHOUT WARNING
Text Of Germany's Note Announcing
Resumption Of Ruthless Sea Warfare

The attempt OF the four allied
powers to bring about peace has
failed, owing TO the lust of conquest
OF their enemies. who desired to die
tate the conditions Of peace. Under
the pretcnse Of following the prin-
ciples OF nationality. our enemies
nave disclosed their real aims i'm
this war. viz: to dismcmber and dis
honor Germany. Austria Hungary.
Turkey and bulgaria. To the wish
OF reconciliation they oppose the
will of destruction. They desire a
fight to the bitter end
"A new situation has thus been
created which. forces Germany to
new decisions Since two years and
n half England is using her naval
power for 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 curtall the Legitimate trade OF
their opponents, but they also. by
ruthless pressure. seek to compel
neutral countries either altogether
to foreGo every trade not agreeable
10 the entente powers or to limit
II according to their arbitrary de-
crccs. The American government
knows the steps which have becn
taken TO cause England and her
allies To return to the rules of in
tcrnational law and TO respect the
freedom OF the seas. The English
government. however. insists upon
continuing its war Of starvation
which does not at all affect tho mil
itary powers OF its opponents. but
compels women and children. the
sick and the aged to suffer for their
country pains and privations which
cndanger the vitality of the nation
Thus British tyranny merciAssly in
creases the suneriugs OF tfc world.
indifferent to the laws of humanity.
Indifferent to the protests of the
ncu,rals whom they severely harm.
Indifferent even to the silent long
ing for peace among EnEland's own
allies. Each day OF the terrible
struggle causes new destruction,
new sufferings. Each day shorten
ing the war Will. on both sides. pre-
serve the life OF thousands Of brave
soldiers and he "a heneht to- man
kind.
MUST USE EVERY MEANS
TO BRING END OF WAR
The imperial government could
not justify before it's own consci-
ence. before the German people and
before history the neglect OF any
means destined to bring about the
eud Of the war. Like the President
Of the United States. the imperial
government had hoped to reach this
goal by negotiations. After the at
tcmpts to come to an understanding
with the entente powers have been
answered by the latter with tie an
nounccmcnt OF an intensified con-
tinuation of the war. the imperial
government--in order To serve tho
welfare OF mankind I'm higher
sense and not to wrong its own
people-is now compelled to con-
,inue the fight for existence. again
forced upon it. with the full en-
pioyment Of all the weapons which
are Mt its disposal.
sincerely trusting that tho pco-
pie and government of the United
states will understand the motives
for this decision and it's necessity,
Tie imperial government hopes that
the Uuitcd states may view he new
situation from the lofty heights of
inpartiality and assist, on their
part. to prevent further misery and
unavoidable sacrifice of human lie.
'.Inclosing two memoranda re-
EardiuE the details of the contem-
plated military measures at sea. /
remain. etc.
tsisned -. BERNSToRFF."