The Washington times., 1917-02-01

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS anu CQa14Aeg " AA8-@~.
for all nations. Germany would b
sincerely glad IL in recognition Of this
principle countries like ireland and
India, which do not enjoy the benefits
OF political independence, should now
obtain their freedom
The German people also repudiats
all alliances which serve to force the
countriesi into a competition for
might and to involve them In a net
of selfish Iintrigues. On the other
hand, Germany will gladly cooperate
In all efforts to prevent future wars.
Freedom Of the Seas.
The freedom Of the seas, being Q
preliminary condition OF the free sx-
istence Of nations and the peaceful
intercourse between them, as well A.
the open door for the commerce Of all
nations, has already formed part Of
the leading principles OF Gerrnany's
political program.
All the more the imperial govern
ment regrets that the attitude Of her
enemies who are so entirely opposed
to peace makes Il impossible for the
world at present to bring about the
realization of these lofty ideals. Ger
many and her allies were ready to
enter now into q discussion of peace
and had set down as basis the guar
anty Of existence, honor and free de-
velepment Of their peoples.
Would Not Annex Belgium.
Their aims, as has been expressly
stated In the note Of December Il 1ns.
were not directed toward the destruc-
ton or humiliation Of their enemies
and were. according to their convic-
tion. perfectly compatible with the
rights OF the 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 Germany's Intention The peace to
be signed with Belgium was to provide
for such conditions In that country,
with which Germany desires to MAIN
tain friendly neighboriy relations. that
Belgium should not be used again by
Germany's enemies for the purpose Of
instigating continuous hostile intrigues.
Enemy just Fer Conquest.
Such precautionary measures are all
the more necessary as Germany's en-
emies have repeatedly st ted not only
in speeches delivered by their leading
men. but also in the statutes Of the
economical conference In Pairs. that II
u their intention not to treat Germany
as an equal, even after peace has been
restored. but to continue their hostile
attitude. and especially 70 wage q sys-
NAUTICAL economical war against
her.
The attempt Of the four allied pow
ers to bring about peace has failed
owing to the lust Of conquest of
their enemies, who desired to dictate
the conditions OF peace
Forces New. Decisions.
A new situation has thus been ere
ated which forces Germany to new
decisions. Since two years and q half
England is using her naval power
for a criminal attempt to force Ger
many into submission by starvation
In brutal contempt of international
law the group Of powers led by Eng
land does not only curtaiI the leEiti-
mate trade Of their opponents, but
they also by ruthless pressure com
pei neutral countries either altogeth-
er to forego trade not agreeable to I;
the entente powers or to limit It &C
cording to their arbitrary DEGREES.
BIames British Tyranny.
The American Government knows
the steps which have been taken to
cause England and her allies to re-
turn to the rules of international law
and to respect the freedom of the
seas. The English government, how.
ever, insists upon continuing its war
of starvation. which does not at all
affect the military powers of Its op-
ponents, but compels women and
children, the sick and the aged to
suffer. for their country, pains and
privations which endanger the vi
tality OF the nation.
The imperial government could not
justify before its own conscience,
before the German people and before
history the neglect Of any means des.
tined to bring about the end of thu
war. Like the President Of the
United States, the imperial govern
ment had hoped to reach this goal by
negotiations.
After the attempts to come to an
understanding with the entente DOW
ers have been answered by the latter
with the announcement of an fnten-
sified continuation of the war. the
imperial government-in order to
serve the welfare Of mankind in q
higher sense and not to wrong its
own epedple-is now compelled to
continue the flight for existence, again
forced upon ii, with the full employ
ment of all the weapons which are
at its disposal.
Asks U. s. Understandinx.
Sincerely trusting that the people
and Government of the United States
will understand the motives for this
decisisn and its necessity, the i'm
perial government hopes that the
United States may view the new sit
uation from the lofty heights of i'm
partiality and assist, on their part-
to prevent further misery and m
avoidable sacrifice of human life.
1nclosing two memoranda regarding
the details OF the contemplated mill.
tary measure at sea, l remain, etc
]. BERNSTORFF.
Omission from Text.
The text OF the German note. M
transmitted by wireless from Berlin
Sia Sayville, contains the following
words as its concluding paragraph
This Is omitted in the official text az
given out here:
referring as to the details OF tho