THE TEXT OF THE PROPOSAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14236, 2 March 1917, Page 3

THE TEXT OF THE PROPOSAL.

STARTLING DISCLOSURES

CONSPIRING WITH MEXICO

'Australian and N.Z Cable Association.!

(Received March 2. 10.5 a.m.) NEW YORK, March 1. The text of Germany's proposal, which is m possession of the Government, is as follows: —

Berlin, January 19th.— On February Ist we intend to begin unrestricted submarining. Despite this it is our intention to endeavor to keep the United States neutral. If the attempt is unsuccessful we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we make war together, and together make peace. We will give general financial support. It is understood that Mexico is to recounquer the 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 m the •jreatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States. I suggest that the President of Mexico, on his •vwn initiative, should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence to this plan, and at the same tim e to mediate between Japan and Germany. Please call Mie attention of tho Mexican President that ruthless submarining promises to compel England to make peace m a few months. — S ; gned. Zimmerman. "

The ; disclosures are n, climax to the operations of Count Bernstorff , who has associated with passport frauds, dynamite plots, and intrigue to an extent never published. They also supoort stories of submarine bases m Mexi"an territory. They give new light on Carranza's proposals to neutrals to cut off the exports of food ajid munitions to Hie Allies. They confirtn the stories of f h e operations of German agents m Mexico and Central America.

It is believed that Mexican officials "'ere aware of the nroposal. including Cabrera, who suggested at the Amer'"an commission the cutting off of oil sunnlies to the Allies.

Meanwhile von Scheon. Secretary to *hq German Embassy at Washington, has been transferred' to Mexico City without explanation.