* * * * *
Protest Issued to Neutral Powers from French Foreign Office, Bordeaux,
Sept. 21.
Without being able to invoke even the appearance of military necessity,
and for the mere pleasure of destruction, German troops have subjected
the Cathedral of Rheims to a systematic and furious bombardment. At this
hour the famous basilica is but a heap of ruins.
It is the duty of the Government of the republic to denounce to
universal indignation this revolting act of vandalism, which, in giving
over to the flames this sanctuary of history, deprives humanity of an
incomparable portion of its historic patrimony.
* * * * *