For every peace-loving country, the world must become safe: fourteen o'clock.
1 8th of the month 19 18
Washington
Gentlemen of Congress:
As before, the spokesmen of the Central Empire once again expressed their desire to discuss the purpose of war and the possible basis of universal peace.
Our wish and purpose is that once the peace process begins, it will be absolutely open, and they will involve and allow no secret understanding of any kind in the future. The days of conquest and expansion are over; The same is true for the days when secret contracts are signed for the benefit of a specific government, and it is likely to disturb world peace at an unexpected moment. It is this happy face that is now clearly presented to every public figure, and their thoughts no longer stay in an era that has passed away, which makes it possible for every country aiming at justice and world peace to announce its envisaged goals now or at any other time.
We took part in this war because human rights violations touched a sore spot and made it impossible for our own people to live. Unless these acts are corrected, the world will never happen again. Therefore, what we are asking for in this war is not unique to ourselves. That is to make the world a safe place to live; Especially to make it safe for every peace-loving country. Like our own country, these countries want to live their own lives, decide their own institutions, get justice and fair treatment from the people of other countries in the world, and oppose force and selfish aggression. People all over the world are actually partners in this interest. As far as we are concerned, we can see very clearly that justice will not be done to us unless it is done to others. Therefore, the program of world peace is our program; In our opinion, the only possible plan is:
1. After an open peace agreement, there will be no private international understanding in any form, but diplomacy will always be conducted honestly in the public eye.
2. No matter in peacetime or wartime, there is absolute freedom of navigation on the sea outside territorial waters, unless international actions taken to implement international conventions may completely or partially close the sea.
3. Eliminate all economic barriers as far as possible and establish equal trade conditions among all countries that agree to peace and unite to maintain it.
4. Give and take full assurance that the national armament will be reduced to the lowest point in line with domestic security.
5. On the basis of strictly observing the following principles, make free, open and absolutely fair adjustments to all colonial claims, that is, when determining all such sovereignty issues, the interests of the residents concerned must have the same weight as the fair claims of the government whose ownership is to be determined.
6. Withdraw from all Russian territories and solve all problems affecting Russia, so as to ensure the best and freest cooperation of other countries in the world, give Russia an unimpeded and unimpeded opportunity to independently decide its own political development and national policies, and ensure that she is sincerely welcomed to join the society of a free country under the system of her own choice; Moreover, not only welcome, but also all kinds of help she may need and she may desire. In the next few months, the treatment given to Russia by sister countries will be a severe test of their goodwill, their understanding of Russia's needs and their own interests, and their wisdom and selfless sympathy.
7. The whole world will agree that Belgium must be evacuated and restored. There is no attempt to limit its sovereignty, and it enjoys the same rights as all other free countries. No other single action can play such a role, that is, to restore the trust between countries in laws, which are formulated and decided by themselves to manage their relations. Without this restoration, the whole structure and effectiveness of international law will be damaged forever.
8. All French territory should be liberated, the invaded part should be returned, and Prussia's mistake towards France on the alsace-lorraine issue should be corrected. This mistake has disturbed world peace for nearly 50 years, and peace can be guaranteed again for the benefit of all.
9. The readjustment of Italy's borders should be carried out according to obvious ethnic boundaries.
10. The people of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, we hope to see their position in the nation guaranteed and guaranteed, and they should be given the freest opportunity to develop independently.
1 1. Romania, Serbia and Montenegro should be evacuated; Recover occupied territories; Serbia gives free and safe access to the sea; As well as the relations between several Balkan countries, were determined through friendly consultations in accordance with the historical boundaries of loyalty and nationality; International guarantees should be given to the political and economic independence and territorial integrity of several Balkan countries.
12. The present Turkish part of the Ottoman Empire should guarantee a safe sovereignty, but other ethnic groups under Turkish rule should guarantee an unquestionable life safety and an opportunity for independent development without interference. The Da Daniil Strait should be permanently opened as a free passage for ships and businesses of all countries under international guarantee.
13. An independent Polish state should be established, which should include the undisputed territory where Poles live, and they should be guaranteed free and safe access to the sea, and their political and economic independence and territorial integrity should be guaranteed by international conventions.
14. a general alliance composed of countries must be formed according to specific covenants in order to provide mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity for large and small countries.
Regarding these necessary corrections to mistakes and correct propositions, we feel that we are close partners of all governments and people who unite against imperialism. We can't be separated in interests, nor can we be divided in purpose. We stood together until the end.
For such arrangements and contracts, we are willing to fight and continue to fight until they are realized; But just because we want power to prevail and long for a just and stable peace, this can only be ensured by eliminating the main war provocation, and this plan has indeed been eliminated. We are not jealous of Germany's greatness, and nothing in this project has harmed it. We are not jealous that she has not achieved or excelled in academic or enterprising aspects, and her record is very brilliant and enviable. We don't want to hurt her, nor do we want to hinder her legal influence or power in any way. We don't want to associate ourselves with us and other peace-loving countries in the world. We only hope that she can gain an equal position among people all over the world in the new world we live in now, not a dominant position.
We are not going to suggest that she change or modify her system. However, we must frankly say that it is necessary for us to know who her spokesman represents when she speaks to us, whether she represents the majority in Congress or the military parties and people who believe in imperial rule.
Of course, what we are talking about now is too specific to allow any further doubts or questions. An obvious principle runs through the whole plan I have outlined. This is the principle of justice for all nations and countries, and their right to live with each other under equal conditions of freedom and security, no matter how strong or weak they are. Unless this principle becomes its foundation, no part of the international judicial structure can stand. The American people have no other principles to follow. In order to uphold this principle, they are prepared to dedicate their lives, honors and everything they have. The moral climax of this ultimate war for human freedom has arrived, and they are ready to put their strength, their highest goal, their integrity and dedication to the test.