COUNT BERNSTORFF'S PLOT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16671, 16 October 1917, Page 5

COUNT BERNSTORFF'S PLOT.

JAPANESE REPUDIATION. A. and N.Z. LONDON, Oct. 11. At an American lunchoon to the Japanese Ambassador, Viscount Chinda, Mr. Frank Powell, the chairman, said that when the Mexican despatch, in which Germany expressed the hope of involving America and Japan in hostilities, was captured in Count Bernstorff's luggage at Halifax, the American authorities refused to believo such perfidy possible until Count Bernstorff's papers supplied the proof. Viscount Chinda, replying, said that he was personally aware that Germany had long carried out an intrigue to cause trouble between America and Japan. lie toughed to scorn Continental rumours of a secret Japanese-German treaty. The Mexican despatch, discovered among Count Bernstorff's luggage, was to be sent to him on January 19. It was signed by Herr Zimmermann, the then German Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and was for despatch to the German Minister at Mexico City. The fall text of the message was:—" On February Iwe intend to begin submarine warfare without restriction. In spite of this it is our intention to endeavour to keep the United States neutral. If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance, on the following basis, with Mexico:—That we shall make war together and together make peace; wo shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer her lost territory of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The. details are left to 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 shall on his own initiative communicate with Japan, suggesting the laser's adherence at once to this plan, J ano at the same time offer to mediate between Germany and Japan. Please call to 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.—(Signed) Zimmerman."