Imperative
demand
for war

" 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 470-473.