Translation Of The German Ultimatum

( Originally Published 1915 )

Very Confidential

THE German Government has received reliable information according to which the French forces have the intention of marching upon the Meuse by way of Givet and Namur. This information leaves no doubt as to the intention of France to march upon Germany through Belgian territory. The Imperial German Government cannot help fearing that Belgium, despite the best intentions, will not be in a position to repulse so considerable a French advance. In this fact lies a sufficient certainty of a menace to Germany.

It is to Germany an impervious duty of self-preservation to forestall this attack of the enemy's.

The German Government would feel the keenest regret should Belgium regard as an act of hostility against her the fact that the measures of Germany's enemies oblige her to violate Belgian territory from her own side.

In order to clear up any misunderstanding, the German Government declares as follows :

1. Germany has in view no act of hostility against Belgium. If Belgium consents, in the war about to commence, to assume an attitude of friendly neutrality in respect of Germany, the German Government on its own part pledges itself, when peace is declared, to guarantee the kingdom and its possessions in all their integrity;

2. Germany pledges herself under the condition declared to evacuate Belgian territory immediately peace is concluded;

3. If Belgium observes a friendly attitude, Germany is ready, in agreement with the Belgian Governmental authorities, to buy for cash all that is necessary to her troops and to pay an indemnity for the damage caused in Belgium;

4. If Belgium behaves in a manner hostile to the German troops, and especially if she places obstacles in the way of their march forward by opposing to them the fortifications of the Meuse or by the destruction of roads, railways, tunnels, or other engineering works, Germany will be forced to regard Belgium as an enemy.

In this case Germany will enter into no engagement in respect of the kingdom, but will leave the ultimate settlement of the mutual relations of the two States to the decision of arms. The German Government is justified in hoping that this eventuality will not take place, and that the Belgian Government will be able to take the appropriate measures to prevent it. In this case the relations of friendship which unite the two neighbour States will become closer and more durable.