Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-01

staggering surprise. For weeks in- spired, authoritative and almost semi official statements have been coming from Berlin indicating an absolute de- cision not to resume unrestricted sub marine warfare. The complete agree ment of the emperor. Chancellor Von Bethmann- -Ho1lweg, General Von Him denburg and General Won Ludendorff, the four men in whose hands Ger many's destiny lies. has been mention ed frequently in these despatches which pass the censor.
 Translation of Text.
 Mir. Secretary of State: Your excel lency were good enough to transmit to the imperial government a copy of the message which the president of the United States of America addressed to the senate on the 22d inst. The inn periaf government has given it the earnest consideration which the presf- dents statements deserve, inspired a they are by a deep sentiment of fe-s sponsibiHty. It is highly gratifying to the imperial government to ascer- tain that the main tendencies of this important statement correspond large ly to the desires and principles pro- fesSed by Germany. These principles especially include self government and equality of rights for 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 inde- pendence, should now obtain their freedom.
 Germany Would Co., o-operate for Peace.
 The German people also repudiate all alliances which serve to force the countries into a competition for might and to involve them in a net of sell fish intrigues. On the other hand, Germany will gladly cooperate in all efforts to prevent future wars. The freedom of the seas, being a prelim mary condition 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 pro- gram
 Regrets Attitude of Enemies.
 All the more the imperial government regrets that the attitude of her ene- mics who are so entirely opposed to peace makes it impossible for the world at present to bring about the realization of these lofty ideals. Ger enter now into a discussion of peace and had set down as basis the guaran-s ty of existence, honor and free deveI- opment of their peoples. Their aims note of Dec. 12, 1916, were not directed towards the destruction or annihilation of their enemies and were according to their conviction perfectly compatible with the rights of the other nations.
 No Intention of Annexins Belgium.
 As to Belgium, which such warm and cordial sympathy in the United States, the chancellor had declared only few weeks previously that it's annexation had never formed part of Germany's intentions. The peace to be signed with Belgium wos to pro- vide for such conditions in that coun- try, with which Germany desires to maintain friendly neighborly relations that Belgium should not be used again by Germany's enemies for the purpose of instigating continuous hos tile intrigues- Such precautionary measures are all the more necessary as Germany's 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 otreat Germany as an equal, even af- ter peace has been restored, but to continue their hostile attitude and especially to wage a systematical economic war against her
 Lust of Conquest.
 The attempt of the four allied DOW CTS to bring about peace has failed owing to the lust of conquest of their enemies, who desired to dictate the conditions of peace. Under the pre- tense of following the principle of na.- tionaIity OUT enemies have disclosed their real aims in this way, viz: To dismember and hishonor Germany, Austria Hungary, Turkey and Bull garia- To the wish of reconciliation they oppose the will of destruction They desire fight to the bitter end
 "A New Situation Has Been Created.
 A new situation has thus been cre- ated which forces Germany to new decisions Since two years and a half England is using her naval power for a criminal attempt to force Germany into submission by starvation. In brutal contempt of international law tllar group of powers led by England do4B not only curtail the Iegitimate, trade Of their opponents but they also. by ruthless pressure compel neutral countries either to altogether forego every trade not agreeable to the en- tepte pow rs or to limit it according to theiE a bitrary decrees.
 Tire Am erican government knows