The Daily Journal

GERMANY UPHOLDS ALL DEPORTATIONS
Says Steps Are Necessary to Maintain Order in Territory -No Man Is Forced to Work
Berlin, Dec. 12--Germany's reply to the "friendly protest" of America against Belgian deportations was handed to Charge Grew of the American embassy by Foreign Secretary Zimmerman. It was immediately cabled to Washington. It is understood that while Germany does not concede all the American representations, the whole effect of the protest will be good. At the same time the reply was handed to Charge Grew, defense of deportation of Belgian workmen was made by the German government in a special statement issued by the press bureau, which also announced receipt and "declination" of the Belgian protests against such transfers. Germany holds her actions in Belgium are justified by that part of the Hague international law regulations requiring a power occupying an invaded nation to maintain order and permitting "additional orders" to this end.
The statement follows:
"The Swiss minister at Berlin, in conversation with the chancellor, notified him that rumors of transportation of Belgian workmen had impressed the Swiss population. Therefore information was given the Swiss government about the facts and legal aspects of the case, notice also being given that the governor general at Brussels would respect neutral Swiss interests in carrying out the measures.
"The Belgian government, through the Spanish embassy at Berlin, which is charged with representation of Belgian interests, protested against the transportation of Belgian workmen to Germany and their employment in work. The protest was declined as announced.
The order of the governor general at Brussels, May 15 last, punishes with prison confinement or forced employment persons who enjoy public charity and nevertheless refuse to accept or continue to work corresponding to their abilities
"This is by no means contrary to international law, since paragraph 43 of The Hague land war order obliges an occupying power to maintain public order, and if the country's laws are insufficient for this purpose to issue additional orders. 'Public order' without doubt implies that able-bodied persons as far as possible do not impose themselves on public charity.
Since work is scarce in Belgium, a large number of Belgian workmen have voluntarily applied for it in Germany. Others were naturally treated according to the quoted order of the governor-general.
During the transport of the workmen, which was accomplished without any harshness and with all possible consideration.
"Neither in Germany nor the occupied parts of France or Belgium are the unemployed coerced to do work contrary to the laws of the nations."