PLEASE dispel any mistrust that may subsist on the part of the British
Government with regard to our intentions by repeating most positively formal assurance
that even in the case of armed conflict with Belgium, Germany will under no pretence
whatever annex Belgic territory. Sincerity of this declaration is borne out by fact
that we solemnly pledged our word to Holland strictly to respect her neutrality. It is
obvious that we could not profitably annex Belgic territory without making at the
same time territorial acquisitions at expense of Holland. Please impress upon
Sir E. Grey that German army could not be exposed to French attack across Belgium,
which was planned according to absolutely unimpeachable information. Germany had
consequently to disregard Belgic neutrality, it being for her a question of life or death
to prevent French advance.
['En clair' means this is written in ordinary language, not in code]
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