View source for German Note to the United States regarding the Submarine Blockade, January 31, 1917

<p align="right"> [[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[1916 Documents]] > [[Official Communications and Speeches Relating to Peace Proposals 1916-1917]] > '''German Note to the United States regarding the Submarine Blockade, January 31, 1917'''</p><hr>

'''German Note to the United States regarding the Submarine Blockade, January 31, 1917<sup>1</sup>'''<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[TRANSLATION]<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;GERMAN EMBASSY, <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Washington, January 31, 1917. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. SECRETARY OF STATE: Your Excellency was good enough to <br>
transmit to the Imperial Government a copy of the message which <br>
the President of the United States of America addressed to the Sen- <br>
ate on the 22, inst. The Imperial Government has given it the earnest <br>
consideration which the President's statements deserve, inspired as <br>
they are, by a deep sentiment of responsibility. It is highly gratifying <br>
to the Imperial Government to ascertain that the main tendencies of <br>
this important statement correspond largely to the desires and prin- <br>
ciples professed by Germany. These principles especially include <br>
self-government and equality of rights for all nations. Germany <br>
would be sincerely glad if in recognition of this principle countries <br>
like Ireland and India, which, do not enjoy the benefits of political in- <br>
dependence, should now obtain their freedom. The German people <br>
also repudiate all alliances which serve to force the countries into a <br>
competition for might and to involve them in a net of selfish intrigues.<br> 
On the other hand Germany will gladly cooperate in all efforts to <br>
prevent future wars. The freedom of the seas, being a preliminary <br>
condition of the free existence of nations and the peaceful intercourse <br>
between them, as well as the open door for the commerce of all <br>
nations, has always formed part of the leading principles of Ger- <br>
many's political program. All the more the Imperial Government <br>
regrets that the attitude of her enemies who are so entirely opposed <br>
to peace makes it impossible for the world at present to bring about <br>
the realization of these lofty ideals. Germany and her allies were <br>
ready to enter now into a discussion of peace and had set down as <br>
basis the guaranty of existence, honor and free development of their <br>
peoples. Their aims, as has been expressly stated in the note of <br>
December 12, 1916, were not directed towards the destruction or <br>
annihilation of their enemies and were according to their conviction <br>
perfectly compatible with the rights of the other nations. As to Bel- <br>
gium for which such warm and cordial sympathy is felt in the United <br>
States, the Chancellor had declared only a few weeks previously that <br>
its annexation had never formed part of Germany's intentions. The <br>
peace to be signed with Belgium was to provide for such conditions<br>
in that country, with which Germany desires to maintain friendly <br>
neighborly relations, that Belgium should not be used again by Ger- <br>
many's enemies for the purpose of instigating continuous hostile <br>
intrigues. Such precautionary measures are all the more necessary, <br>
as Germany's enemies have repeatedly stated not only in speeches <br>
delivered by their leading men, but also in the statutes of the economi- <br>
cal conference in Paris, that it is their intention not to treat Germany <br>
as an equal, even after peace has been restored but to continue their <br>
hostile attitude and especially to wage a systematical economical war <br>
against her. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The attempt of the four allied powers to bring about peace has failed <br>
owing to the lust of conquest of their enemies, who desired to dictate the <br>
conditions of peace. Under the pretense of following the principle <br>
of nationality our enemies have disclosed their real aims in this war, <br>
viz., to dismember and dishonor Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey <br>
and Bulgaria. To the wish of reconciliation they oppose the will of <br>
destruction. They desire a fight to the bitter end. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A new situation has thus been created which forces Germany to <br>
new decisions. Since two years and a half England is using her <br>
naval power for a criminal attempt to force Germany into submission <br>
by starvation. In brutal contempt of international law the group <br>
of Powers led by England does not only curtail the legitimate trade <br>
of their opponents but they also by ruthless pressure compel neutral <br>
countries either to altogether forego every trade not agreeable to the <br>
Entente Powers or to limit it according to their arbitrary decrees. <br>
The American Government knows the steps which have been taken <br>
to cause England and her allies to return to the rules of international <br>
law and to respect the freedom of the seas. The English Govern- <br>
ment, however, insists upon continuing its war of starvation, which <br>
does not at all affect the military power of its opponents, but compels <br>
women and children, the sick and the aged to suffer, for their country, <br>
pains and privations which endanger the vitality of the nation. Thus <br>
British tyranny mercilessly increases the sufferings of the world in- <br>
different to the laws of humanity, indifferent to the protests of the <br>
neutrals whom they severely harm, indifferent even to the silent long- <br>
ing for peace among England's own allies. Each day of the terrible <br>
struggle causes new destruction, new sufferings. Each day shorten- <br>
ing the war will, on both sides, preserve the life of thousands of brave <br>
soldiers and be a benefit to mankind. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Imperial Government could not justify before its own con- <br>
science, before the German people and before history the neglect of<br>
any means destined to bring about the end of the war. Like the <br>
President of the United States, the Imperial Government had hoped <br>
to reach this goal by negotiations. After the attempts to come to an <br>
understanding with the Entente Powers have been answered by the <br>
latter with the announcement of an intensified continuation of the war, <br>
the Imperial Government — in order to serve the welfare of mankind <br>
in a higher sense and not to wrong its own people — is now compelled- <br>
to continue the fight for existence, again forced upon it, with the full <br>
employment of all the weapons which are at its disposal. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sincerely trusting that the people and Government of the United <br>
States will understand the motives for this decision and its necessity, <br>
the Imperial Government hopes that the United States may view the <br>
new situation from the lofty heights of impartiality and assist, on their <br>
part, to prevent further misery and avoidable sacrifice of human life. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enclosing two memoranda regarding the details of the contemplated <br>
military measures at sea, I remain, etc., <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Signed)   J. BERNSTORFF. <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[INCLOSURE 1]<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MEMORANDUM<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After bluntly refusing Germany's peace offer the Entente Powers, <br>
stated in their note addressed to the American Government, that they <br>
are determined to continue the war in order to deprive Germany of <br>
German provinces in the West and the East, to destroy Austria-Hun- <br>
gary and to annihilate Turkey. In waging war with such aims, the <br>
Entente Allies are violating all rules of international law, as they <br>
prevent the legitimate trade of neutrals with the Central Powers, and <br>
of the neutrals among themselves. Germany has, so far, not made <br>
unrestricted use of the weapon which she possesses in her submarines. <br>
Since the Entente Powers, however, have made it impossible to come <br>
to an understanding based upon equality of rights of all nations, as <br>
proposed by the, Central Powers and have instead declared only such <br>
a peace to be possible, which shall be dictated by the Entente Allies <br>
and shall result in the destruction and humiliation of the Central <br>
Powers, Germany is unable further to forego the full use of her sub- <br>
marines. The Imperial Government, therefore, does not doubt that <br>
the Government of the United States will understand the situation thus <br>
forced upon Germany bv the Entente Allies' brutal methods of war <br>
and by their determination to destroy the Central Powers, and that <br>
the Government of the United States will further realize that the<br>
now openly disclosed intentions of the Entente Allies give back to <br>
Germany the freedom of the action which she reserved in her note <br>
addressed to the Government of the United States on May 4, 1916. <br>
Under these circumstances Germany will meet the illegal measures <br>
of her enemies by forcibly preventing after February 1, 1917, in a <br>
zone around Great Britain, France, Italy and in the Eastern Mediter- <br>
ranean all navigation, that of neutrals included, from and to England <br>
and from and to France, etc., etc. All ships met within that zone <br>
will be sunk. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Imperial Government is confident that this measure will result <br>
in a speedy termination of the war and in the restoration of peace which <br>
the Government of the United States has so much at heart. Like the <br>
Government of the United States. Germany and her allies had hoped <br>
to reach this goal by negotiations. Now that the war, through the <br>
fault of Germany's enemies, has to be continued, the Imperial Gov- <br>
ernment feels sure that the Government of the United States will <br>
understand the necessity of adopting such measures and are destined <br>
to bring about a speedy end of the horrible and useless bloodshed. <br>
The Imperial Government hopes all the more for such an understand- <br>
ing of her position, as the neutrals have under the pressure of the <br>
Entente Powers, suffered great losses, being forced by them either to <br>
give up their entire trade or to limit it according to conditions arbi- <br>
trarily determined by Germany's enemies in violation of international <br>
law. <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[INCLOSURE 2]<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MEMORANDUM<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From February 1, 1917, all sea traffic will be stopped with every <br>
available weapon and without further notice in the following blockade <br>
zones around Great Britain, France, Italy and in the Eastern Mediter- <br>
ranean. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the North: The zone is confined by a line at a distance of 20 <br>
sea miles along the Dutch coast to Terschelling fire ship, the degree of <br>
longitude from Terschelling fire ship to Udsire, a line from there <br>
across the point 62 degrees north degrees longitude to 62 degrees <br>
north 5 degrees west, further to a point 3 sea miles south of the south- <br>
ern point of the Faroe Islands, from there across point 62 degrees <br>
north 10 degrees west to 61 degrees north 15 degrees west, then S7 <br>
degrees north 20 degrees west to 47 degrees north 20 degrees west, <br>
further to 43 degrees north, 15 degrees west, then along the degree <br>
of latitude 43 degrees north to 20 sea miles from Cape Finisterre and<br>
at a distance of 20 sea miles along the north coast of Spain to the <br>
French boundary. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the South: The Mediterranean <br>
For neutral ships remains open: The sea west of the line Pt. <br>
del'Espiquette to 38 degrees 20 minutes north and 6 degrees east, also <br>
north and west of a zone 61 sea miles wide along the north African <br>
coast, beginning at 2 degrees longitude west. For the connection of <br>
this sea zone with Greece there is provided a zone of a width of 20 <br>
sea miles north and east of the following line: 38 degrees north and <br>
6 degrees east to 38 degrees north and 10 degrees east to 37 degrees <br>
north and 11 degrees 30 minutes east to 34 degrees north and 11 de- <br>
grees 30 minutes east to 34 degrees north and 22 degrees 30 minutes <br>
east. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From there leads a zone 20 sea miles wide west of 22 degrees 30 <br>
minutes eastern longitude into Greek territorial waters. <br>
Neutral ships navigating these blockade zones do so at their own <br>
risk. Although care has been taken, that neutral ships which are on <br>
their way toward ports of the blockade zones on February 1, 1917, <br>
and have come in the vicinity of the latter, will be spared during a <br>
sufficiently long period it is strongly advised to warn them with all <br>
available means in order to cause their return. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Neutral ships which on February 1, are in ports of the blockaded <br>
zones, can, with the same safety, leave them if they sail before Febru- <br>
ary 5, 1917, and take the shortest route into safe waters. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The instructions given to the commanders of German submarines <br>
provide for a sufficiently long period during which the safety of pas- <br>
sengers on unarmed enemy passenger ships is guaranteed. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Americans, en route to the blockade zone on enemy freight steam- <br>
ers, are not endangered, as the enemy shipping firms can prevent such <br>
ships in time from entering the zone. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sailing of regular American passenger steamers may continue un- <br>
disturbed after February 1, 1917, if <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) the port of destination is Falmouth <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) sailing to or coming from that port course is taken via the Scilly <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Islands and a point 50 degrees north 20 degrees west, <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) the steamers are marked in the following way which must not <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;be allowed to other vessels in American ports: On ships' hull <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and superstructure 3 vertical stripes 1 meter wide each to be <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;painted alternately white and red. Each mast should show a <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;large flag checkered white and red, and the stern the American <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;national flag.<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Care should be taken that, during dark, national flag and <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;painted marks are easily recognizable from a distance and that <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the boats are well lighted throughout, <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d) one steamer a week sails in each direction with arrival at Fal- <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;mouth on Sunday and departure from Falmouth on Wednes- <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;day <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e) The United States Government guarantees that no contraband <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(according to German contraband list) is carried by those <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;steamers.<br>

<hr>
<sup>1</sup>Official print of the Department of State.