2 German Propaganda [from Views of War, Papers]

These World War I papers and other items contributed by MARV CRUZAN.

German Propaganda 2
(Handbill)
page 1, 'What Are We Fighting For?'

What are we fighting for?

The German note:
     The German Government requests the President of the United States of America to take in hand the restoration of peace, acquaint all belligerent States with this request, and invite them to send plenipotentiaries for the purpose of opening negotiations.
     It accepts the programm set forth by the President of the United States in his Message toCongress on Jan. 8, 1818, [sic] and in his later pronouncements, especially his speech of Sept. 27, as a basis for peace negotiations.
     With a view to avoiding further bloodshed, the German Government requests the immediateconclusion of an armistice on land and water and in the air.

Berlin, October 4th 1918.
(Signed)

Max Prince of Baden,
Imperial Chancellor.

Wilson's answer:

     Sir--I have the honour to acknowledge on behalf of the President your Note of October 6enclosing a communication from the German Government to the President and I am instructed by the President to request you to make the following communication to the Imperial German Chancellor:
     "Before making a reply to the request of the Imperial German Government and in order that thereply shall be as candid and straightforward as the momentous interests involved require, the President of the United States deems it necessary to secure himself of the exact meaning of the Note of the Imperial Chancellor.
     "Does the Imperial Chancellor mean that the Imperial German Government accepts the terms laiddown by the President in his address to Congress of the United States on the 8th of January last, and in his subsequent addresses, and that its object in entering into discussions would be only toagree upon the practical details and their application.
     "The President feels bound to say with regard to this suggestion of an armistice that he does notfeel at liberty to propose the cessation of arms to the Governments with which

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the Government of the United Sates is associated against the Central Powers, so long as the armies of those Powersare upon their soil.
     "The good faith of any discussion would manifestly depend up on the consent of the CentralPowers to immediately to withdraw their forces everywhere from the invaded territory.
     The President also feels that he is justified in asking whether the Imperial Chancellor is speakingmerely for the constituted authorities of the Empire who have so far conducted the war. He deems answers to these questions vital from every point of view."
     Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my high consideration.

Robert Lansing.

Germanys answer:
     The German Government, replying to the questions of the President of the United States of America declares:
     The German Government has accepted the terms laid down by the President in his address on the 8th of January last and in his subsequent addresses as the basis of a lasting peace of justice. Its object in entering into discussions would be only to agree upon practical details of the application of those terms.
     The German Government assumes that the Governments with which the Government of the United Stats is associated also stand on the ground of President Wilson's pronouncements.
     The German Government, in agreement with the Austrian-Hungarian Government, declares itselfready to comply with President Wilson's proposals for evacuation in order to bring about an armistice.
     It leaves it to the President to effect the meeting of a mixed commission which would have tomake the necessary arrangements for evacuation.
     The present German Government, responsible for the peace step, has been formed by negotiationand in agreement with the great majority of Reichstaff.
     The Imperial Chancellor, supported in each of his dealings by the will of this majority, speaks in the name of the German Government and of the German people.

Berlin, October 12th, 1918,
(Signed)

Solf,
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Why are we still fighting?