proclamation poster, TO THE BELGIAN PEOPLE
Report a Mistake- Object Number 19940001-335
- Event 1914-1919 First World War
- Affiliation --
- Artist / Maker / Manufacturer --
- Date Made --
- Place of Use Continent - Europe, Country - Belgium
- Category Communication artifacts
- Sub-category Advertising medium
- Department Art and Memorials
- Museum CWM
- Inscription TO THE BELGIAN PEOPLE It is to my very great regret that the German troops find themselves obliged to cross the Belgian frontier. They are acting under the constraint of an inevitable necessity. The neutrality of Belgium having been violated by French officers, who, in disguise, have passed over Belgian territory in automobiles to penetrate into Germany. BELGIANS! It is my greatest desire that there may still be a means of avoiding a combat between two peoples, who have been friends until the present, formerly even allies. Remember the glorious days of Waterloo in which it was the German arms, which contributed to found and establish the independence and prosperity of your mother country. But we must have a free road. Destruction of bridges, tunnels and railways must be regarded as hostile actions. BELGIANS! It is yours to choose! I hope that the Germany army of the Meuse will not be compelled to fight with you. A road free for attack, is all we desire. I give formal guarantees to the Belgian population, that it shall have nothing to suffer from the horrors of war, that we will pay in ready money for the provisions which it is necessary to take in the country, that our soldiers shall show themselves the best friends of a people for whom we entertain the highest esteem, the greatest sympathy. Upon your wisdom and a well understood patriotism it depends, to keep from your country the horrors of war. VON EMMICH, General Commander in Chief of the Army of the Meuse.
- Medium ink
- Support paper on art board
- Materials Not applicable
- Service Component Imperial German Army
- Person / Institution Associated party, von Emmich
- Measurements Height 39.2 cm, Width 22.3 cm