Statement Issued by German Embassy at Washington, Oct. 13.
The German Ambassador drew special attention today to the telegram which
came from German headquarters. This telegram proves the German
contention that the Allies did not intend to respect Belgian neutrality.
It even proves more, namely, that Belgian neutrality practically did not
exist and that the Belgian Government was conspiring with the Allies
against Germany. Notwithstanding the denials coming from French sources
it is a fact that French prisoners were taken at Liége and Namur, who
acknowledged that they had been in those fortresses before the German
troops entered Belgium.
On the French side it has been asserted that the German Chancellor in
Parliament had acknowledged that Germany was doing wrong in violating
Belgian neutrality. It must, however, not be overlooked that the
Chancellor further said:
We know that the Allies do not intend to respect Belgian
neutrality, and Germany, in the position she is in, attacked from
three sides, cannot wait, while the Allies can wait.
At that time the Belgian archives were not at the disposal of the German
Government. If the Chancellor had known at the time he made his speech
that Belgium was not neutral he would certainly have spoken of the
alleged Belgian neutrality in a different way.
Germany has violated the frontiers of no really neutral country, while
the Allies are on record for disregarding all obligations toward China.
Text of Wireless Message.
Headquarters report German military authorities searching archives of
Belgian General Staff at Brussels, found portfolio inscribed
"Intervention Anglaise-Belgique," containing important documents:
1. Report to Belgian War Minister, dated April 10, 1906, containing
result detailed negotiations between Chief of Belgian General Staff
and British Military Attaché at Brussels, Lieut. Col. Barnardiston.
Plan of English origin sanctioned by Major Gen. Grierson, Chief
English General Staff, contains strength, formation, landing
places, expeditionary-force 100,000 men; continuing, settles plan
Belgian General Staff transport accommodations, feeding in Belgium,
Belgian interpreters, gendarmerie, landing places at Dunkirk,
Calais, Boulogne. Details Barnardiston remarks for present Holland
cannot be relied upon. Further confidential communication that
English Government after destruction of German Navy will direct
supply provision via Antwerp. Finally suggestion from England
military attaché that Belgian espionage service should be organized
in Prussian Rheinland.
2. Map showing strategical drawing up of French Army demonstrating
existence of French-Belgian agreement.
3. Report of Baron Greindl, Belgian Minister to Berlin, to Belgian
Foreign Office, dated Dec. 23, 1911. Greindl, commenting on plan of
Belgian General Staff for defense of Belgo-German frontier in
Franco-German war, points to threatening violation of neutrality by
France, saying: "Danger French attack threatening us, not only near
Luxemburg, but on whole length of common frontier, This assertion
no guess work, but founded upon positive facts."
Minister further thoroughly discusses Entente's plans for passage
through Belgium, Calais, and England. France doubtful protectors,
Barnardiston's insinuations relative Flushing question, both
perfidious and naïve postulates dressing plan of battle against
threatening Franco-British invasion into Belgium in Franco-German
war.
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