File No. 862.00/114
The Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10.11 p.m.]
1252. My 1251, 20th.2 I telegraph herewith translation of Reichstag resolution accepted 19th instant:
As on August 4, 1914, the words of the speech from throne, “We are not driven by desire for conquest,” still hold good for the German people on the threshold of the fourth war year. For the defense of its freedom and independence, for the integrity of its territorial possessions, Germany took up arms. The Reichstag strives for a peace of mutual agreements and the enduring reconciliation of peoples. With such a peace compulsory acquisitions of territory and political, economical or financial violence are irreconcilable. Reichstag rejects all plans that are directed toward an economic isolation and hostility of nations after war. The freedom of the seas must be secured. Only an economic peace can prepare way for [Page 140] friendly living together of peoples. The Reichstag will promote actively the creation of international juridical organizations. So long however as the enemy governments do not accept such a peace, so long [as] they threaten Germany and her allies with conquest and violence, the German people will stand together as one man, endure unshaken and fight until her right and that of her allies to life and development is secured. In its unity the German people is invincible. In that the Reichstag knows itself as one with the men who protect the Fatherland in heroic battle. They are sure of everlasting gratitude of the German people.
- Not printed.↩