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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

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proclamation poster, TO THE BELGIAN PEOPLE