Belgium is bound in honor to fight loyally and to observe all the rules,
laws, and customs of war.
From the beginning of the invasion of its territory by German troops,
the Belgian Government had posted each and every day, in all the towns,
and the papers have each day repeatedly printed, instructions warning
the non-combatant civilians not to offer any resistance to the troops
and soldiers invading the country.
The information on which the German Government believes today that it
can base its contention that the Belgian population contravenes the law
of nations and is not worthy of respect is absolutely unfounded.
The Government protests most vigorously against these allegations and
against the odious threats of retaliation. If any deed contrary to the
rules of warfare should ultimately be proved, to understand such fact it
is only necessary to realize the well-founded excitement which the
cruelties of the German soldiers are provoking among the Belgian
population--a population which is thoroughly honest but energetic in the
defense of its rights and in its respect for humanity.
If we were to publish a list of these atrocities, of which the first
ones are here recorded, this would indeed be a long list.
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