Yesterday a German
military aviator dropped three bombs on Luneville.
The German Ambassador, to whom, as well as to the other great powers, we
communicated these acts did not deny them, nor even express regret. On
the contrary, he came to me yesterday evening to ask for his passport
and notify us of the existence of a state of war, alleging without
justification hostile acts committed by French aviators on German
territory in the Eiffel region, and even on the railway from Karlsruhe
to Nuremberg. Here is the letter on this subject which he handed to me:
Mr. President: German civil and military authorities have taken
note of a certain number of acts of a hostile character committed
on German territory by French military aviators. Several of the
latter have clearly violated the neutrality of Belgium by flying
over the territory of that nation. One tried to destroy buildings
near Wesel, others were seen over the Eiffel region, another threw
bombs on the railway line between Karlsruhe and Nuremberg.
I have been charged with informing your Excellency, and now have
the honor of doing so, that in view of these acts of aggression the
German Empire now considers itself in a state of war with France as
a result of the acts of the latter power.
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