View source for Peace Note of Germany and Her Allies, December 12, 1916

<p align="right"> [[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[1916 Documents]] > [[Official Communications and Speeches Relating to Peace Proposals 1916-1917]] > '''Peace Note of Germany and Her Allies, December 12, 1916'''</p><hr>

'''Peace Note of Germany and Her Allies, December 12, 1916<sup>1</sup>'''<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The most terrific war experienced in history has been raging for the <br>
last two years and a half over a large part of the world — a catastrophe <br>
which thousands of years of common civilization was unable to pre- <br>
vent and which injures the most precious achievements of humanity. <br>
Our aims are not to shatter nor annihilate our adversaries. In spite <br>
of our consciousness of our military and economic strength and our <br>
readiness to continue the war (which has been forced upon us) to <br>
the bitter end, if necessary; at the same time, prompted by the desire <br>
to avoid further bloodshed and make an end to the atrocities of war, <br>
the four allied powers propose to enter forthwith into peace negotia- <br>
tions. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The propositions which they bring forward for such negotiations, <br>
and which have for their object a guarantee of the existence, of the <br>
honor and liberty of evolution for their nations, are, according to their<br>
firm belief, an appropriate basis for the establishment of a lasting <br>
peace. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The four allied powers have been obliged to take up arms to defend <br>
justice and the liberty of national evolution. The glorious deeds of <br>
our armies have in no way altered their purpose. We always main- <br>
tained the firm belief that our own rights and justified claims in no way <br>
control the rights of these nations. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The spiritual and material progress which were the pride of Europe <br>
at the beginning of the twentieth century are threatened with ruin. <br>
Germany and her allies, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey, gave <br>
proof of their unconquerable strength in this struggle. They gained <br>
gigantic advantages over adversaries superior in number and war <br>
material. Our lines stand unshaken against ever-repeated attempts <br>
made by armies. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The last attack in the Balkans has been rapidly and victoriously <br>
overcome. The most recent events have demonstrated that further <br>
continuance of the war will not result in breaking the resistance of <br>
our horses, and the whole situation with regard to our troops justifies <br>
our expectation of further successes. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If, in spite of this offer of peace and reconciliation, the struggle <br>
should go on, the four allied powers are resolved to continue to a <br>
victorious end, but they solemnly disclaim responsibility for this before <br>
humanity and history. The Imperial Government, through the good <br>
offices of your Excellency, asks the Government of [here is inserted <br>
the name of the neutral power addressed in each instance] to bring <br>
this communication to the knowledge of the Government of [here are <br>
inserted the names of the belligerents].<br>

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<sup>1</sup><i>The New York Times</i>, December 13, 1916. (2)