No. 443.
Mr. Pendleton to Mr. Bayard.

No. 575.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copy and translation of the treaty between Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, concluded on October 7, 1879.

The real motives producing this publication now, after about nine years, are very much discussed ail over the continent and in Great Britain. The suggestions are as numerous and different as the writers. The peace party is of the opinion that the publication will aid the cause of peace by showing how purely defensive the alliance really was and is, and yet how closely it will bring together the allied Governments in case of attack, thus at the same time ministering to the susceptibilities of the Czar, and warning him of the magnitude of the contest he will enter upon. It is believed that the late understanding between Germany and Italy embraces substantially the same points, and goes to the same length. The war party declares that the allies have given up [Page 612] the hope of peace, and that this publication is in the nature of a despairing threat to Russia and an appeal for the sympathy of the peace-loving world when the conflict shall soon actually come about.

I have, etc.,

Geo. H. Pendleton.
[Inclosure in No. 575,—Translation.—Extra edition of the Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung. No. 58.]

The Reichs und Staats-Anzeiger publishes to-day the following:

The Governments of Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy have determined to publish their treaty of alliance, concluded on the 7th of October, 1879, in order to put an end to the doubts as to its purely defensive objects, which are entertained in various quarters, and which are made to serve divers purposes. The policy of both the allied Governments is guided by the desire to preserve peace, and obviate breaches thereof to the best of their ability. They are convinced that the divulgation of the contents of their treaty of alliance will dispel every doubt on the subject, and therefore they have resolved to publish it. The text is as follows:

Whereas their Majesties the German Emperor, King of Prussia, and the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, must regard it as their imperative duty as monarchs to have a care in all circumstances for the security of their realms, and the repose of their peoples; and whereas both monarchs—as during the federal relationship which previously existed between them—will be enabled to fulfill this duty more easily and effectually by the steadfast co-operation of both their Empires; and whereas, finally, such a close connection between Germany and Austria-Hungary can threaten no one, but is rather calculated to consolidate the peace of Europe, as it was established by the stipulations of the treaty of Berlin:

Now, therefore, their Majesties the Emperor of Germany and the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, while solemnly promising to each other that they will never attach an aggressive meaning in any direction to their purely defensive agreement, have resolved to conclude a pact of peace and a mutual defense, and for this purpose they have appointed as their plenipotentiaries:

  • His Majesty the German Emperor, his envoy extraordinary and ambassador plenipotentiary Lieutenant-General Prince Henry VII Reuss, etc.;
  • His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, his actual privy councillor, minister of the imperial house and of foreign affairs, Field-Marshal Lieut. Julius Count Andrassy, of Csik-Szent-Király and Kraszna-Horka, etc.;

Who have met this day at Vienna and after exchange of their full powers, which were found good and sufficient, have agreed as follows, to wit:

Article I.

If, contrary to the hope and against the sincere wish of both the high contracting parties, one of the two Empires should be attacked by Russia then the high contracting parties bind themselves to assist each other with the entire military power of their Empires, and accordingly only to conclude peace by common agreement.

Article II.

Should one of the high contracting parties be attacked by another power, then the other high contracting party hereby binds itself not only not to assist the assailant of its high ally, but also at least to observe an attitude of benevolent neutrality towards its high co-party. But if, nevertheless, in such an event the attacking power should be supported by Russia, whether in the form of active co-operation or by military measures involving menace to the attacked, then the obligation of mutual assistance with full military power, stipulated for in Article I of this treaty, shall in this case immediately come into force, and then, also, the military operations of both the high contracting parties shall be conducted in common until they conclude a peace in common.

Article III.

In consideration of its pacific character and in order to obviate all misunderstanding, this treaty shall be kept secret by the high contracting parties, and be communicated to a third power by agreement of both sides only, and on the strength of a special understanding. In view of the sentiments expressed by the Emperor Alexander [Page 613] on the occasion of the meeting at Alexandrovo, both the high contracting parties surrender themselves to the hope that the armaments of Russia will in reality not prove to be menacing to them, and for the present, therefore, they have no occasion to make a communication. But should this hope, contrary to expectation, turn out to be erroneous, then the high contracting parties would look upon it as a duty of loyalty to give the Emperor Alexander, confidentially at least, to understand that they would consider an attack against one of them as directed against them both.

In witness whereof the plenipotentiaries have hereto affixed their signatures and seals.


[l. s.]
H. VII P. Reuss.

[l. s.]
Andrassy.