Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1917-01-01

end it by imposing a German peace.
The object of these overtures is to
create dissensiOn in public opinion in
| the allied countries. But that pub
lie opinion has. in spite of all the sac
rifices endured by the allies, already
given its answer with admirable firm
ness, and has denounced the empty
pretence of the declaration of the en-
envy powers.
They have the further object of stiff
fleming public opinion in Germany and
i'll the countries allied to her-one and
all severely tried by their losses worn
out by economic pressure and crushed
by the supreme effort which has been
imposed upon their INHABITANTS.
Reject Empty and Insince-e Offer.
They endeavor to deceive and intin-
fdate public opinion in neutral coun-
tries, whose inhabitants have long
since made up their minds where the
initial responsibilities lie, and are far
too enlightened to favor the designs
Of Germany by abandoning the defence
Of human freedom.
Finally, these overtures attempt to
justify in advance in the eyes of the
marine warfare. deportations. forced
labor and forced enlistment of the in
habitants against their own countries
and violations Of neutrality.
Fully conscious of the gravity of
this moment, but equally conscious of
its requirements. the allied govern
ments, closely united to one another
and in perfect sympathy with their
peoples, refuse to consider a proposal
which is empty and insincere.
Once again the allies declare that
no peace is possible so long as they
have not secured reparation for violat-
ed rights and liberties, the recognition
Of the principle of nationalities and OF
the free existence Of small states; so
long as they have not brought about
a settlement calculated to end once
and for all forces which have consti-
tuted a perpetual menace to the ma
tons and so afford the only effective
guarantee for the future security of
the world.
In conclusion. the allied powers think
it necessary to put forward the fol-
lowing considerations, Which show the
special situation of Belgium after two
and a half years of war. In virtue of
the international treaties signed by
five great European powers Of whom
Germany was one. Belgium enjoyed
before the war a special status, rend-
ering her territory fnviolable and
placing her under the guarantee Of the
powers, outside all European con-
f1icts.
She was, however, In spite of these
treaties, the first to suffer the aggres-
sion of Germany. For this reason the
Belgian government think it necessary
to define the aims which Belgium has
never ceased to pursue while fight
ers for right and justice.
Belgium has always scrupuIously
fulfilled the duties which her neutraIf-
ty imposed upon her. She has taken
up arms to defend her independence
and her neutrality violated by Ger
many and to show that she remains
faithful to her international obliga-
lions.
Must Restore and Indemnify Nations.
On the fourth Of August, 1914, in
the refchstag, the German chancellor
admitted that this aggression consti-
tuted an injustice contrary to the laws
of nations. and pledged himself in the
name of Germany to repair It During
two and half years this injustice has
been cruelty aggravated by the pro-
ceedings Of the occupying forces,
which have exhausted the resources
of the country, ruined it's industries.
devastated it's towns and villages and
have been responsible for innuYnerabte
n1assacres, executions and imprison-
ments.
At this very moment, while Ger
many is proclaiming peace and hui
mainly TO the world, she is deporting
Belgian citizens by thousands and
reducing them to slavery.
Belgium before the war, asked for
nothing but to live in harmony with
her neiEhbors. Her king and her gov