19173 The Zimmermann Note 



ary 3, therefore, the President broke diplomatic 

 relations with Germany, and Count von Bernstorff 

 left for Berlin. 



The attitude of the American people was now still 

 further embittered by the publication of the prepos- dfmand 

 terous "Zimmermann Note," 1 apparently intended *""" 

 as a decoy to embroil Carranza with the United 

 States. Along the Atlantic seaboard then arose an 

 imperative demand for declaration of war. This 

 came from divergent sources which I shall later dis- 

 cuss. Opposed to immediafe action was a large, ill- 

 defined body of public opinion which still hoped that 

 by some means our entrance into war might be 

 honorably averted. Opposed also, and more or less 

 vehemently, were a few socialistic combinations 

 whose plans for class conflict were interrupted by 

 international struggles, besides a certain number 

 who hated England by habit, and many of German 

 descent who favored the Central Powers. 



1 This communication as given out by the State Department reads as follows: 



"BERLIN, January 19, 1917 



"On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. 

 In spite of this it is our intention to keep neutral with the United States of 

 America. If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance with Mexico 

 on the following basis: That we shall make war together and together make 

 peace. We shall give general financial support and it is understood that Mexico 

 is to recover the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details 

 are left for you for settlement. 



"You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico of the above in the 

 greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war 

 with the United States, and suggest that the President of Mexico, on his own 

 initiative, should communicate with Japan, suggesting adherence at once to 

 this plan, at the same time offer to mediate between Germany and Japan. 



" Please call the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment 

 of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace 



in a few months. 



ZIMMERMANN 



"To German Minister Von Eckhardt, Mexico City" 



For a curious annotation of the above, see Chapter XLII, pages 47O-473- 



