Citizens of the United States!
In this earnest moment in which you are leaving the soil of Germany and
Berlin, take with you from German citizens, from representatives of
trade and industry, who are proud to entertain friendly commercial
relations with the United States, a hearty farewell coupled with the
desire of a speedy return.
Together with this farewell we beg you to do us a favor. As our guests,
whom we have always honored and protected, we ask you to take this paper
with you as a memorial and to circulate the same among your authorities,
press, friends, and acquaintances.
For, we are well aware that the enemies of Germany are at work to make
you the instruments to lower Germany's people and army in the face of
the whole world in order to deceive foreign nations as to Germany's
policy and economical power. We ask you, as free citizens face to face
with free citizens, to circulate the real truth about Germany among your
people as compared to the lies of our enemies.
We beg you to take the following main points to heart:
1. The German Emperor and the German Nation wanted peace. The
cunning and breach of faith of our opponents have forced the
sword into the hands of Germany.
2. After war has been forced on us the German Nation, Emperor,
and Reichstag have granted everything in the most brilliant
unanimity for the war. No difference prevails in Germany any
longer, no difference between party, confession, rank or
position, but we are a united nation and army.
3. Our military organization and our mobilization has
proceeded with splendid precision. The mobilization was
accomplished during the course of a few days. In addition to
those who are compelled to serve, more than 1,200,000
volunteers have offered their services. All civil
organizations, from the head of industry and finance to the
smallest man downward, vie with each other in works of
voluntary aid and welfare.
4. In the field German arms have had splendid successes in the
first days of mobilization.
In the east the Russian enemy has been driven from the German frontier,
in numerous small fights by our troops in conjunction with those of the
Austro-Hungarian monarchy. By successful coup de mains our navy has been
successful in damaging and alarming our Russian opponent in her Baltic
naval ports. The Russian port of Libau has been burned down and in
Russian Poland revolution has already begun. Russian mobilization is a
long way from being accomplished, the troops are badly, poorly
nourished, and many deserters sell their weapons and horses.
In the west the German Army has gained imposing victories over Belgium
and France.
In Belgium, where the population unfortunately committed the most
barbarous atrocities against peaceful Germans before the war broke out,
comparatively weak German forces conquered the strong fortress of Liège
a few days after the mobilization, inflicting severe damage on the enemy
and opening up the way via Belgium to France.
Valuable victories have been obtained over France on the Alsatian
frontier toward the strong French fortress of Belfort as well as in the
direction of the fortress Lunéville. At Mülhausen one and a half French
Army divisions were overthrown and driven back over the frontier with
heavy losses.
The strong and effective German fleet is on the watch against the
English fleet.
England's risk is great in staking her reputation as the strongest
naval power on one throw against the German fleet. Further, England runs
the danger that her large colonies, such as India and Egypt, will seize
a moment that has been long desired to revolt.
It is for the United States to utilize the present moment to frustrate
by powerful initiative England's endeavors to keep down all nations,
including America, in the trade and traffic of the world.
Citizens of the United States! Take the conviction with you to your
homes that Germany will stake her last man and her last penny for
victory. Germany must conquer and will conquer.
Remember! That after a successful victory Germany will make new
political and economical progress, and that America, as a shrewd
businesslike State and as a friend of Germany, will participate in such
progress.
Today we beg you earnestly to convey to your fellow-citizens that the
German Nation, as the safe refuge of civilization and culture, has
always protected the loyal citizens of its enemies in every manner in
contrast to Russia, France, and Belgium. By circulating this short
memorial among your fellow-citizens you are likewise insuring that also
in the future the United States will learn the truth about Germany's
battles and victories. Your friends here will always do the best in
their power to supply you with genuine news. We wish you a happy voyage
toward your home, so appreciated by all Germans, and hope to see you
again in a victorious and prosperous Germany.