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venience and that every possible courtesy will be extended. Am telegraphing Consuls to arrange their affairs and proceed to Vienna with a view to leaving for Switzerland if possible at end of week.

Following is translation of text of note handed me by Minister:

IMPERIAL AND ROYAL MINISTRY OF THE IMPERIAL AND ROYAL HOUSE AND OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

Vienna, April 8, 1917.

Since the United States of America has declared that a state of war exists between it and The Imperial German Government, AustriaHungary, as ally of the German Empire, has decided to break off the diplomatic relations with the United States, and the Imperial and Royal Embassy in Washington has been instructed to inform the Department of State to that effect.

While regretting under these circumstances to see a termination of the personal relations which he has had the honor to hold with Chargé d'Affaires of the United States of America, the undersigned does not fail to place at the former's disposal herewith the passport for the departure from Austria-Hungary of himself and the other members of the Embassy.

At the same time the undersigned avails himself of the opportunity to renew to the Chargé d'Affaires the expression of his most perfect consideration.

CZERNIN.

To Mr. Joseph Clark Grew, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States of America.

GREW.

PART XVII.

DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST AUSTRIA-HUNGARY.

ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AT THE JOINT MEETING OF THE TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS, DECEMBER 4, 1917.1

Extract recommending declaration of a state of war with Austria-. Hungary.

What shall we do, then, to push this great war of freedom and justice to its righteous conclusion? We must clear away with a thorough hand all impediments to success and we must make every adjustment of law that will facilitate the full and free use of our whole capacity and force as a fighting unit.

One very embarrassing obstacle that stands in our way is that we are at war with Germany but not with her allies. I therefore very earnestly recommend that the Congress immediately declare the United States in a state of war with Austria-Hungary.

seem strange to you that this should be the conclusion of the argument I have just addressed to you? It is not. It is in fact the inevitable logic of what I have said. Austria-Hungary is for the time being not her own mistress but simply the vassal of the German Government. We must face the facts as they are and act upon them without sentiment in this stern business. The Government of Austria-Hungary is not acting upon its own initiative or in response to the wishes and feelings of its own peoples, but as the instrument of another nation. We must meet its force with our own and regard the Central Powers as but one. The war can be successfully conducted in no other way. The same logic would lead also to a declaration of war against Turkey and Bulgaria. They also are the tools of Germany. But they are mere tools and do not yet stand in the direct path of our necessary

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action. We shall go wherever the necessities of this war carry us, but it seems to me that we should go only where immediate and practical considerations lead us and not heed any others.

[PUBLIC RESOLUTION-No. 17-65TH CONGRESS.]

[S. J. Res. 111.]

Joint Resolution Declaring that a state of war exists between the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Government and the Government and the people of the United States, and making provision to prosecute the same.

Whereas the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Government has committed repeated acts of war against the Government and the people of the United States of America: Therefore be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a state of war is hereby declared to exist between the United States of America and the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Government; and that the President be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the United States and the resources of the Government to carry on war against the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Government; and to bring the conflict to a successful termination all the resources of the country are hereby pledged by the Congress of the United States.

Approved, December 7, 1917.

PART XVIII.

SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND TURKEY.

Secretary of Embassy Tarler to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]

No. 2639.]

AMERICAN LEGATION,
Berne, April 20, 1917.

The Imperial Government has to-day informed the Embassy that as the Government of the United States has declared itself to be in a state of war with Germany, the Ottoman Government's ally, it finds it necessary to rupture its diplomatic relations with the United States to-day. American interests have been confided to the Swedish Minister.

TARLER.

The Secretary of State to Ambassador Sharp.1

[Telegram.]

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, April 23, 1917.

Turkey has severed relations with the United States. Suspend all activities in her behalf. Follow instructions outlined Department's telegram February fifth regarding German interests. Inform consuls.

LANSING.

1 Same to London, Athens, Tokyo.

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