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 [Supplement to, 18 January, 1917]

,—I have earnestly considered our last conversation. It is clear that the peoples of our enemies, caught by war psychosis and supported by lies and deceit, possess no men able or firm enough to speak to liberate the world.

Making a peace proposal is an act necessary to deliver the world, including neutrals, from obsession. For such an act a ruler is wanted with a conscience, who feels responsible towards God, and who has a heart for his own and hostile peoples. A ruler is wanted who is inspired by a desire to deliver the world from sufferings without minding possible wrong interpretations of his act. I have the courage to do it. I will venture it, relying upon God. Please give me soon a Note and prepare everything.

Author:Wilhelm II.

The Reichstag had not been adjourned for a long period, but it had been left to the discretion of the President to fix a day for the next meeting for a quorum. This decision had been caused by the hope that happy events would soon occur in the field. This hope had been fulfilled almost more quickly than had been expected. I shall be brief, for actions speak for themselves.

Roumania had entered into the war in order to roll up our position in the East and that of our Ally. At the same time the grand offensive on the Somme had as its object the piercing of our Western front, and renewed Italian attacks had as their purpose the paralysis of Austria-Hungary. The situation was serious. But with God’s help our troops had so shaped conditions that they had given a security which was not only complete, but still greater than ever before.

The West front stands. It not only stands, but in spite of the Roumanian campaign is equipped with larger reserves of men and material than had been formerly the case. Most efficient precautions were taken against all Italian diversions. While on the Somme and the Carso drum fire resounded and Russians launched troops against the Eastern frontier in Transylvania, Field-Marshal Hindenburg captured the whole of Western Wallachia and the hostile capital of Bucarest. This unparalleled genius had made possible things which were hitherto considered impossible. And Hindenburg does not rest; military operations progress.

Simultaneously by strokes of the sword new firm foundations for our economic needs have been laid. Great stocks of grain,