Book_ LATIN AMERICA AND THE WAR Special Memorandum PREPARED BY JOHN BARRETT Director General of the Pan-American Union and former United States Minister to Argentina, Panama and Colombia ASSISTED BY BENITO JAVIER PEREZ-VERDIA of the Pan-American Union Staff jjj:: WASHINGTON, D. C. 1919 J; •f '^. AU6 y|4|l»20 JIS"Z,0 .Ss:s>2 LATIN AMERICA AND THE WAR An unofficial but verified memorandum prepared by John Barrett, Director-General of the Pan American Union and former United States Minister to Argentina, Panama, and Colombia, assisted by Benito Javier Perez- Verdia, of the Pan American Union Staff. EIGHT of the twenty nations of Latin America actually declared war on Germany : Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Five other Latin American states broke off diplo- matic relations with Germany: Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay. Salvador declared herself in favor of benevolent neu- trality toward the United States, which permitted the use of her territorial ports and waters by the war-ships of the United States and the AlHes. The six remaining neutral nations : Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Para- guay and Venezuela, either by the statements of their Executives or by resolutions passed by their Congresses, or again by the pro-ally tone of the majority of their leading newspapers, and finally by the utterances of their most representative statesmen, also expressed themselves in favor of Pan American solidarity. It would be unfair to consider the attitude assumed by these neutral countries as antagonistic to the international policy of the United States and the Allies, and it should be interpreted as the decision in exercise of their sovereignty consistently to maintain their attitude in the absence of specific wrongs committed against them which would have jeopardized their national interests. When the German submarines sank two Argentine ves- sels that Republic earnestly demanded immediate reparation from Germany and the promise to respect Argentine shipping, to which Germany was com- pelled to agree. She refused a few months later to make a similar arrange- ment with Peru, and the result of her refusal was that this country broke ofif diplomatic relations with the German Empire. The Argentine as well as the Columbian Congresses passed resolutions in condemnation of the German policy of ruthlessness. The Chilean Presi- dent in his message of June 1, 1917, gave solemn warning to Germany that the Chilean nation would take adequate steps against any acts of Ger- many which would endanger Chilean interests, and the President of Vene- zuela made a similar statement. The President of Mexico praised officially in the highest terms the attitude of Belgium in her gallant resolution to resist to the utmost the invasion of the German armies, and the President of Paraguay has also expressed himself in favor of the United States and the Allies. 3 The Latin American nations, which declared war or broke relations, would appear to have been moved either entirely by their desire to show a friendly attitude toward the United States as a sister republic in its struggle against Germany, or by their belief that Pan American solidarity demanded fundamentally such a serious step. Brazil had several of her vessels sunk by German submarines; Cuba and Panama readily recognized the special ties binding them to the United States and declared war on Germany on the day following a similar declaration by the United States. Guatemala and Haiti, unsatisfied with the result of their diplomatic representations regard- ing the establishment of the illegal German blockade, declared war against the Imperial Government. Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua adopted identical resolutions as an evidence of their endorsement of the principles proclaimed by President Wilson, and their sympathy toward the Allies' cause. Five of the nations which broke off diplomatic relations with Ger- many, viz., Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay, were inspired in doing so by the ideals of Pan American solidarity. Uruguay had the distinction of setting forth a very advanced principle, which is practically a new doctrine of international policy, when she declared that *'no American country which in defense of its own rights should find itself in a state of war with nations of other continents will be treated as a belligerent." On the threshold of the future which opens to-day to mankind, the Latin American peoples contemplate with great satisfaction the rising of the new order of things based on Equity and Right as the attainment of an ideal which assures the American nations — weak as well as powerful of the reign of Justice in the international relations of Sovereign States. The attitude of each country of Latin America during the war is briefly summarized as follows : ARGENTINE REPUBLIC Though Argentina is officially classified as a neutral country, the popular sentiment is overwhelmingly in favor, of the United States and the Allies. A notable reception was accorded at Buenos Aires to the American fleet commanded by Admiral Caperton, and invited to visit the capital by the Argentine Government. 100,000 people are reported to have taken part in a demonstration demanding that diplomatic relations be broken with Ger- many, and Argentina has been several times on the verge of a rupture with the Central Empires. When Germany informed the Foreign Ofiice of the Argentine Republic concerning the submarine blockade, the latter in its note of acknowledge- ment of the communication, dated February 7, 1917, said : "The Argentine Government regrets that His Imperial Majesty has thought necessary to adopt such extreme measures and declares that it will adjust its conduct, as always, to the fundamental rules and principles of international law." Within her conception of neutrality, Argentina found it consistent with her attitude to express approval of the international policy of the United States and Cuba in declaring war on Germany as well as of the action of Brazil and Bolivia in breaking off their diplomatic relations on April 11, and April 13, 1917, respectively, with the German Empire. "The Government of the Argentine Republic" — stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that country in his note of April 10, 1917, to the Amer- ican Ambassador — "in view of the causes which have moved the United States to declare war on the German Empire, recognizes the justice of this determination in so far as it is based on the violation of the principles of neutrality sanctioned by international law which were considered as definite conquests of civilization," On April 4, 1917, the Argentine sailing vessel "Monte Protegido" which left Pernambuco on January 27, 1917, was sunk near the Sorlingas Islands by a German submarine, while carrying a linen cargo consigned to Rotter- dam. As soon as the Argentine Government was able to secure the neces- sary information to ascertain the fact it entered a strong protest, asking Germany to apologize for the offense committed against the Argentine flag and to pay the damages. "The Argentine Government hopes" — reads the note — "that the Imperial German Government in acknowledging the right of the Republic will give the satisfactions which it owes her, as well as will make redress for the offense against the Argentine flag and will pay an indemnity for the damages inflicted. The Government of His Imperial Majesty will not fail to recognize the promptitude with which the Argentine Government wishes to secure an answer to its claim." One month had scarcely elapsed after the "Monte Protegido" controversy was settled and Germany had yielded to the Argentine demands, when the German submarines made two new victims of the Argentine vessels "Oriana" and "Toro." The first was sunk in the Mediterranean near Toulon, on June 6, 1917, while on her way to Genoa with a cargo of steel and iron, and the steamer "Toro," bound to the same port and loaded with meat, woolens, etc., was sent to the bottom on June 22, 1917. The sinking of these ships strained the diplomatic relations between Argentina and Germany near to the breaking point. The Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs on July 4, 1917, instructed the Minister of Argentina at Berlin to present a note of protest in which, after relating the circum- stances surrounding the sinking of the "Toro" a protest is entered in the following terms, referring in the first place to the Argentine declaration to uphold the principles of international law : "It was founded on this conception, that the Argentine Government made her claim in the "Monte Protegido" case and accepted the explanations of the Imperial German Government, inasmuch as they acknowledged the absolute right of the Republic and granted in full the Argentine claim. In doing so, the government understood that such attitude of Germany implied in the future the protection of Argentine shipping against the war measures to which the German Government had decided to resort. The repetition 5 of the offense, however, makes the moral satisfactions and the indemnities for material damages entirely insufficient to safeguard the wrong right. It has been compelled, therefore, to enter a new protest and to demand in addi- tion to the moral redress and the reparation of the wrong committed, the assurance of the German Government to respect in the future the Argentine ships in their right to the freedom of the seas." As an evidence of the importance the Argentine Government attached to the controversy, and of its intention to sever diplomatic relations in case of an unsatisfactory reply, the Minister of Foreign Affairs added the fol- lowing paragraph to the note sent to the Minister of Argentina in Berlin, for its presentation to the German Government: "Advise by telegraph the date of receipt of the note and the date of delivery. You are of course fully aware that on account of the seriousness of the claim you have to be prepared for any possible emergency." In her answer to the Argentine note, Germany sought to justify the sinking of the steamer "Toro" according to the principles embodied in the Declaration of London, which had not been ratified by the signatory powers. The Argentine Government declined, however, to accept the German propo- sition and proclaimed in its answer dated August 4, 1917, an international doctrine of far-reaching importance relative to the immunity of national products and their exemption from being classed as contraband of war, because they are as the note says : "The fruits of the efforts of the Nation in its vital work, not to satisfy war requirements, but to meet the normal needs of Humanity." The Department of State of the United States published on September 8, 1917, several cables dated May 19 and July 3 and 9, 1917, sent by the German Charge d'Affaires in Argentina through Baron Lowen, Minister of Sweden in Argentina, to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in Stockholm, to be delivered to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Berlin. These dispatches recommended the sinking of the Argentine ships with- out leaving any trace {spurlos versenkt) and contained unfriendly comment in reference to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic. Argentina at once asked Germany to disapprove the conduct of her repre- sentative at Buenos Aires, and to make an apology for the discourteous references concerning the Minister of Foreign Affairs. On September 12 the following decree was issued : "As Count Karl de Luxburg, Envoy Ex- traordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the German Empire, is no longer persona grata to the Argentine Government the Executive power of the Nation decrees : Passports shall be given to Count Karl de Luxburg, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the German Empire, and his diplomatic mission before the Argentine Government is thus ended." On September 19, the Argentine Senate, by a vote of 23 to 1, declared for the breaking off of diplomatic relations with Germany. The resolution was sent to the Chamber of Representatives for approval. A few days later, September 23, the Argentine Government received a note of apology 6 from Germany disapproving the utterances of Count Luxburg. The Argen- tine' Chamber of Representatives, however, voted on September 25, in favor of the rupture vi^ith Germany. The vote was 53 to 18. The resolution passed by the Argentine Senate reads as follows : "The Argentine Senate is deeply affected by the conduct of the ex- Minister of the German Empire, Count Luxburg, in the matter of the tele- grams transmitted to the German Foreign Office through the Swedish Lega- tion in this capital and published by the Department of State of the United States of America ; it believes that such conduct is an offense against diplo- matic morals and the most elementary principles of humanity as contained in our laws, against the traditional policy of loyalty, honesty and justice of the Argentine Republic, and against the right of free navigation of vessels carrying its neutral flag in the present war; it is firmly convinced that such acts may jeopardize the immunity of its flag, the lives of its nationals and the neutrality of the Republic as well as its territorial sover- eignty, in exercising within its jurisdiction acts of espionage to the detri- ment of the commerce of the republic and that of the belligerent nations which are friendly to it. It believes, furthermore, that the attitude to be adopted by the Government in this emergency must foster the uninterrupted fraternal friendship which has united at all times the States of this Conti- nent, upon the basis of common democratic ideals and of international justice. The order of expulsion against the above-mentioned Minister from the territory of the nation, is not, in its judgment, sufficient reparation for the seriousness of the offense and wrongs committed. The Senate of the Nation, accordingly decrees : That the proper step to be taken in the present circumstances is that the Executive Power sever diplomatic relations with the Imperial Government of Germany." The Executive, however, did not consider it advisable at that time to break off diplomatic relations with Germany after the apology offered re- garding the Luxburg incidents, and the promises given to respect Argentine vessels. BOLIVIA When the American Legation at La Paz advised the Bolivian Foreign Office of the severance of diplomatic relations between the United States and Germany, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in his note of February 5, 1917, replied to the American Minister that "the government of Bolivia considers entirely proper the noble and lofty attitude assumed by the govern- ment of the United States, and which is in accord with the rights of the neutral countries to safeguard their own interests and those of civilization and humanity. The government of Bolivia, therefore, frankly endorses the stand taken by the United States." The Bolivian Foreign Office being advised of the establishment of the submarine blockade by Germany, on February 8, 1917, answered in part as follows: "Viewed in the light of the unquestioned rights of neutral trade and merchant service on the high seas, and of the imprescriptible rights of civili- 7 zation and humanity, neither the prohibition against neutral trading nor the warlike aggression against neutral merchant vessels can be allowed to pass without a protest. And it is such a protest which the Bolivian Government wishes to record in this reply, and to add that it has decided to make its attitude in the present diplomatic crisis conform wholly with that of the United States Government." The German Minister was given his passports, April 13, 1917, the Bolivian Foreign Office stating that Germany having carried out to all pur- poses its threats against vessels and persons of neutral States and in view of the fact that the steamer "Tubantia" had been torpedoed in neutral Dutch waters, the Bolivian Minister to Berlin being aboard, diplomatic relations between Bolivia and the German Empire were no longer possible. After reviewing the German violations of international law and the ruthlessness of the submarine warfare as conducted by the German Empire, the Bolivian Minister of Foreign Affairs says in the above mentioned note: "Such a situation becomes more serious because Germany is carrying out her threats against neutral ships and persons. The government of Bolivia is of the opinion, therefore, that the German Government has not only violated all standards of justice and abolished the most fundamental prin- ciples of right, but has also cancelled the treaties and conventions of the Hague, which Germany had signed with almost all the nations of the world." The Bolivian President in his message to Congress, on August 6, 1917, fully endorsed the stand taken by President Wilson in defense of the prin- ciples of humanity and justice. "The attitude of Germany" — said the President — "characterized by a warlike frenzy which the German writers and publicists consider indispensable in order to attain the desired goal, discovered the fact that German ambitions were a threat to the world, which not only jeopardized the rights and principles already established but endangered likewise the very life of all peoples who were powerless to resist by the force of arms the formidable military power of the Empire. "As in America, however, there exists among us great rights and great principles which should be safeguarded — Independence acquired after fif- teen years of struggle and a Democracy which is the very soul of nations — we considered it indispensable to raise the banner of principles in order to oppose moral force to brute force. "Among the benefit which, after all, the world will draw from the war with the beginning of a new international order, will be, not the least, the necessary strengthening of the ideas of right and democracy. The terrible lessons of the war will help to form a universal conscience. The principle of nationalities, whether they be great or small, and the doctrine of uni- versal democracy, shall be the noble goals which the future peace will set." BRAZIL The first step in connection with Brazil's attitude in the war was its reply on February 7, 1917, to Germany's notification of its submarine war- fare. At that time, Brazil, through its Foreign Office, made clear the desire of the Brazilian Government to maintain its position of neutrality, reserving the right to present in due time such claims as might arise in concrete cases affecting Brazilian interests. It was also stated that a deep impression had been created in Brazil by the German intention to sacrifice lives, destroy property and disorganize commerce, . without regard to international law. It was also pointed out that Brazil could not accept the blockade as effective and that the Brazilian Government, in harmony with international usages, conventions and agree- ments, was bound to protest against such a blockade, placing on the German Government the responsibility of any acts affecting Brazilian citizens, ships and merchandise. As the result of the sinking of the steamer "Parana," by a German submarine without warning, on the night of April 3, 1917, off Point Bar- fleur with loss of lives, the Brazilian Government broke off diplomatic rela- tions with Germany on April 11, 1917. A few weeks later another Brazilian vessel was torpedoed by a German submarine and the President of the Republic sent to the Congress a message, favoring the seizure of German ships anchored in Brazilian ports. Excerpts of the message are as follows : "The Brazilian nation is fully aware of the attitude which the govern- ment adopted upon receiving from Germany the declaration that she in- tended to establish a blockade by submarines of the west as well as of a part of the southern coast of Europe, thereby curtailing the freedom of the seas and extending indiscriminately to all parts of the world the war in its most violent form. "The Brazilian Government at that time presented its protest and, upon the occasion of the torpedoing of the 'Parana,' broke diplomatic and com- mercial relations with Germany. The torpedoing of a second ship, without warning, and the fear that our fleet and foreign trade will continue to suffer, obliges the government to resort to measures of defense, upon the nature of which the National Congress will decide. The members of the govern- ment, in bringing this matter to the attention of Congress do not seek to evade responsibility or to refrain from expressing an opinion thereon. They believe that the employment of the merchant ships of German nationality anchored in Brazilian ports is urgently necessary apart from any idea of seizure which would not accord with the spirit of our legislation and would be at variance with the general feeling throughout the country." The decree of neutrality of April 25, 1917, in the war between the United States and Germany was revoked on June 1, 1917, by the Brazilian Government and measures were taken to make use of the German merchant vessels anchored in the ports of Brazil, and to take the necessary steps for the protection of Brazilian shipping abroad and any other measures in co- 9 operation with friendly nations which might secure the freedom of its foreign trade. The Brazilian Ambassador in Washington in his note of June 4, 1917, to the Department of State, informing it of the revocation of the decree of neutrality, says as follows : "The President of the Republic has just instructed me to inform Your Excellency's Government that he has approved of the law which revokes Brazil's neutrality in the war between the United States of America and the German Empire. The Republic thus recognized the fact that one of the belligerents is a constituent portion of the American Continent and that we are bound to that belligerent by traditional friendship and the same senti- ment in the defense of the vital interests of America and the accepted prin- ciples of law. "Brazil ever was and is now free from warlike ambitions, and while it always refrained from showing any partiality in the European conflict, it could no longer stand unconcerned when the struggle involved the United States, actuated by no interest whatever but solely for the sake of inter- national judicial order, and when Germany included us and the other neutral powers in the most violent acts of war. "While the comparative lack of reciprocity on the part of the American Republics divested until now the Monroe Doctrine of its true character, by permitting of an interpretation based on the prerogatives of their sover- eignty, the present events which brought Brazil even now to the side of the United States at a critical moment in the history of the world, are still imparting to our foreign policy a practical shape of continental solidarity, a policy, however, that was also that of the former regime whenever any of the other sister friendly nations of the American continent was con- cerned. The Republic strictly observed our political and diplomatic tradi- tions and remained true to the liberal principles in which the nation was nurtured. "Thus understanding our duty and Brazil taking the position to which its antecedents and the conscience of a free people pointed, whatever fate the morrow may have in store for us, we shall conserve the constitution which governs us and which has not yet been surpassed in the guarantees due to the rights, lives, and property of foreigners." On October 25, 1917, the President of the Republic sent a message to Congress declaring that it was impossible to avoid noting already the state of war which Germany had imposed on Brazil. The chamber of repre- sentatives by an almost unanimous vote declared on October 26, that a state of war existed between Germany and Brazil. The vote was 149 to 1. The Senate unanimously approved the proclamation of a state of war with Germany, on October 26, and the following resolution was passed : "A state of war between Brazil and the German Empire, provoked by the latter, is hereby recognized and proclaimed, and the President of the Republic, in accordance with the request contained in his message to the National Con- gress, is hereby authorized to take such steps for the national defense and public safety as he shall consider adequate, to open the necessary credits and to authorize the credit operations required. All previous measures to the contrary are hereby revoked." 10 When His Holiness the Pope addressed a note of peace to all belligerents, the Brazilian Foreign Office instructed the Brazilian Minister to the Vati- can to present a note to the latter declining the peace proposal. The note states the aims of Brazil in the war and reads in part as follows : "Your Excellency will say to His Holiness that Brazil would have re- mained outside of the European conflict, notwithstanding her sympathies toward the noble cause of the allies, if Germany had not brought to America the violent processes of war, placing obstacles in the way of all trading between neutral countries. "Brazil could not fail in her duty as an American nation, and in finally taking the step which placed us among the belligerents we did so without hatred and without entertaining any ideas of material gain ; we have taken measures to defend our flag and the fundamental rights of our country; to-day, fortunately, all the Republics of the New World, some with greater reason than others, but all in equal danger of losing their liberty and their sovereign rights, have become united by a feeling of solidarity which is justified by geographical, economic, and historical reasons, which the neces- sity for mutual defense as a guarantee of national independence has made political also. Brazil cannot, therefore, maintain an isolated attitude, nor may she express an isolated opinion, as she has become entirely identified — feeling it her duty to be so — with the nations which are now her allies." The forty-six German ships lying in Brazilian ports, aggregating 240,000 tons, were seized, and were chartered by the French Government which placed them in service between American and European ports. The Bra- zilian navy has been cooperating with the American and Allies' fleets in European waters. CHILE When the German Government informed Chile of the establishment of the submarine blockade, the Chilean Foreign Office sent to the German Minister to Chile the following note, made public on February 7, 1917 : "The Chilean Government has taken cognizance of the note sent to it by his Majesty the German Emperor, in which Chile is informed that Ger- many has fixed the limits of a blockade area around the coasts of England, France and Italy, and in the Eastern Mediterranean. It has been informed also that within said limits Germany will resort to hostile acts against what- ever ship is encountered, even if it belongs to a neutral power. "Such a measure, in the opinion of the Chilean Government, amounts to a restriction of the rights of neutrals, to which restriction Chile cannot agree because it is contrary to the principles that have been long established in favor of neutral nations. "The acceptance by Chile of the measures adopted by Germany would, moreover, divert her from the line of strict neutrality which has been fol- lowed during the European conflict. "Chile consequently reserves liberty of action to protect all of her rights in the event of any hostile acts against her ships." The President of Chile sent a message to the chamber of deputies, on June 1, 1917, on the occasion of the opening of congress, expressing his satisfaction that Chile had been able to maintain her neutrality in the world 11 war, but declaring that the republic reserved her right to take any action which might be required for the defense of her interests. The message was, in part, as follows : "The president of the republic expresses his satisfaction that good rela- tions have been maintained unaltered with the friendly nations who are engaged in this lamentable war. The government, in accord with the principles of law, adopted a line of conduct inspired by the most rigid spirit of neutrality when special circumstances drew the United States into the conflict and caused Brazil and other republics, equally bound to Chile in strict bonds of friendship, to break off relations with one of the belligerent powers. "When one of the warring nations expressed its intention to execute hostile acts against neutral merchant ships, thus destroying the liberty of maritime community, we found ourselves obliged to adopt a reserved atti- tude as, in our opinion, we could not have accepted this situation, without doing away with our neutrality. "We have had the satisfaction of seeing all the American Governments formulate an analogous declaration confirming the sentiments of union which animate the republics of this continent. We will maintain our determina- tion to defend our rights and to give equal guarantees on our territory to all powers for the free exercise of their privileges, so as to avoid difficulties which might oblige us to abandon the course chosen." The Foreign Office in response to a note from Uruguay communicating the decree issued by Uruguay in which it was declared that it would not regard as a belligerent any American nation which is in a state of war with nations of other continents, said in part : "My government is pleased to show to Uruguay, with which it main- tains such a loyal friendship, that it appreciates highly the reasons of Americanism which have inspired the resolution of the government of Uruguay." Three of the German steamers anchored in Chilean ports were chartered by Chile late in June, 1918. The Chilean Government gave security that the steamers in question had been guaranteed safe traffic by the Allied Govern- ments and it was provided that on all voyages the steamers must either be provisioned with sufficient coal to make the round trip to Chilean ports or be guaranteed a sufficient supply at the port of their destination to permit them to return to Chile. The steamers were considered as delivered pro- visionally to the Government of Chile from the 15th of June, 1918, full inventory was to be taken and the government to acquire all stores and supplies on board the ships. All differences which might arise in connection with the charter were to be settled by a board of three experts, one named by each side and the third by common accord, or, failing that, by the manager of the Bank of Chile. The ships were to be chartered without their Ger- man crews. The President of Chile, in his message to Congress of June 1, 1918, upheld the neutrality of his country. 12 COLOMBIA Colombia declared its neutrality in the European conflict on August 17, 1917, and maintained its original position. The Colombian Foreign Office later on addressed a communication to the press of Colombia, expressing its steadfast purpose of maintaining a strict neutrality. When the German Government informed Colombia of the establishment of the submarine blockade and the ruthless campaign against belligerent as well as neutral ships, the Colombian Foreign Office, in its note of February 16, 1917, reserved its right to protest against any acts which would be inimical to Colombian interests. On October 17, 1917, the Colombian Senate passed the following reso- lution protesting against the ruthless submarine warfare conducted by Germany : "Whereas the use of submarines against all kinds of merchant vessels or warships, whether neutral or belligerent, without any discrimination, is a practice contrary to international law and so qualified not only by the Government of Colombia, but by other neutral governments. Now, there- fore, the Senate of Colombia protests against the aforesaid practice. "It is of the opinion that the submarines of the nations which use them, as above stated, should not receive the same treatment as warships which follow the rules of international law. The Senate of the Republic, therefore, believes that they should not be admitted into the ports and other jurisdic- tional waters of the Republic, and that the nation should observe regarding those vessels the same conduct observed at the present time by other neutral governments ; such conduct is based on a sense of prudence and international safety." Finally, on July 13, 1918, the Colombian Congress passed the following resolution : "The Senate of Colombia sends greetings to the French Republic, offers its homage of admiration and sympathy and joins in France's rejoicing on the date of its national anniversary, which awakens glorious memories for all the democratic peoples of the world. "The Senate recalls with satisfaction the influence French thought has had in the national life of Colombia, and also remembers the traditional ties binding the republics of Colombia and France, and expresses its wishes that such bonds should become ever stronger, based on common ideals of liberty and justice." COSTA RICA Costa Rica was among the first Latin American nations to show its friendship to the United States, oflfering the use of its ports to the men-of- war of the United States. On September 21, 1917, the Costa Rican Government severed diplomatic relations with Germany. Passports were handed to the diplomatic and con- sular representatives of Germany in Costa Rica, and the Costa Rican legation and consuls in Germany were recalled. 13 The text of the Costa Rican decree of severance of diplomatic relations is as follows : "Whereas, While it is true that Costa Rica has deeply resented the wrongs systematically committed by German militarism in the present war against all principles upon which Ethics, Right, Liberty, and the Welfare of Human- ity are based, the Government of Costa Rica, in its desire of maintaining the strictest neutrality, has observed under such conditions the most prudent reserve ; "Whereas, Such conduct does not safeguard the national interests against the policy of the German Government which purposes to provoke in the neutral countries either conflicts of an international character or domestic dissensions, according to circumstances ; "Whereas, To avert as far as possible this constant danger which threat- ens us it is absolutely necessary to take precautions similar to those adopted by several of the republics of the American Continent, whose interests on the other hand are firmly bound to ours by the most strict solidarity ; "Now, therefore, With the approval of the Council of Government and by virtue of the powers conferred by Section 9, Article 99, of the National Constitution, "It is decreed : From this date diplomatic relations with the Government of the German Empire shall be severed." The Costa Rican Government finally declared war on Germany, May 23, 1918, condemning the German methods of warfare in the strongest terms. The following is the text of Costa Rica's declaration of war : "Whereas: 1. The war provoked by Germany against the principal powers with intent to substitute in the world the dominion of right by a system of force as the supreme law of nations is virtually a fight for principles, the results of which interest in a very strong way all members of the international community; and, whereas, "2. In fact, the ends which Germany pursues in the present war com- promise the existence of the higher ideals of humanity and make void the most important intellectual and moral conquests of civilization, as those contemplated ends already shown in the course of the conflict constitute a deliberate violation of international laws and practices which regulate the substitution therefor of an exclusive and tyrannical dictatorship which, basing itself upon military power and upon the exercise of autocracy tends to the fastening of political and economical servitude upon all the peoples already subject to it or that in future it may conquer by the force of arms ; and, whereas, "3. Germany, by attempts against the foundations of international right, by means of a long series of acts characterized by the spirit of absolutism, has trampled upon the most respectable institutions and human doctrines and upon the high conception of liberty and justice which are the essence of universal morals, has violated the faith in public treaties, the war laws and the rights of neutrals, and has menaced with death the principle of existence for small nationalities and the indisputable privilege they have of disposing of their own destinies in the use of their rights and their autonomy ; and, whereas, "4. In view of these antecedents, though on account of her small material resources Costa Rica cannot under present conditions render to the great cause of humanity assistance proportionate to her high aspirations, it is 14 obvious that on account of the needs of her own conservation as well as on account of her well proven sentiments of solidarity, she is under the unavoidable moral duty of cooperating with firm help in the work of common defense into which so heroically are bound numerous peoples, to many of whom the Costa Rican people are tied with bonds of old and sincere friendship ; and, whereas, "5. The severance of diplomatic relations with the Imperial German Government which the executive power decreed on the 21st of last Septem- ber does not fully represent the attitude that Costa Rica should take reso- lutely in the presence of the conflict, an attitude which for small, weak countries like ours, having no other protection nor other worship than that of right, cannot be other than a belligerent participation against the oppress- ors of liberty, life, respect and autonomous government of all the nations of the earth, "By virtue of the authority granted in the resolution of this date by the constitutional Congress, and in accordance with Section 3, Article 99, of the political Constitution, and in conformity with the aforesaid, at a Cabinet Meeting, "It is decreed — Sole Article — From this date a state of war is declared to exist between the Republic of Costa Rica and the Government of the German Empire." CUBA On the day following the declaration of war of the United States against Germany, April 7, 1917, Cuba declared by resolution of its congress, that there existed a state of war between that republic and Germany. President Menocal, in his message to the Cuban Congress, in reviewing the causes which brought about a state of war between the United States and Germany, dwelt on the continuous violations of international law and of the rights of neutrals, saying in part: "Such acts of war without quarter against all nations whose ships or subjects sail or may sail the seas which the Imperial German Government seeks, without any vestige of right, to close to the commerce of the world under terrible penalties, cannot be tolerated or consented to without accept- ing them, ipso facto, as lawful for the present and for all time. "The republic of Cuba ought not to remain indifferent in the face of such stupendous violations of international law, which at any moment might be committed, as indeed has already happened, at the cost of life and property of her own nationals. Nor can she by any means decorously remain aloof from the stand nobly and courageously taken by the United States, to whom we are bound by sacred ties of gratitude and fraternity. "Cuba cannot remain neutral in this supreme conflict, for a declaration of neutrality would compel her to treat both belligerents alike, denying them with equal rigor access to her ports, and imposing upon them alike restric- tions and prohibitions, which would, in the present instance, be contrary to public sentiment, to the spirit of pacts and obligations, rather more moral than legal, which bind us to the United States, and would eventually, because of her geographical situation,' be a source of inevitable conflict, the conse- quence of which can be readily foreseen, with her friend and ally, and a proof of inexcusable weakness and condescendence toward the attitude of implacable and unconditional aggression proclaimed by the Imperial German 15 Government against the rights of all neutrals and against the principles of humanity and justice, which are the greatest glory of modern civilization. "For these reasons, and in the clear and firm conviction that I am per- forming one of my most sacred duties, I appeal to Congress, in whom the power is exclusively vested by Article 59, Paragraph 12, of the Constitution, to determine, with a full knowledge of the facts and with that mature deUb- eration which such an action demands, that the acts of unjustifiable aggres- sion repeatedly committed by the naval submarines of the Imperial German Government on the high seas against neutral shipping, notwithstanding the protests of all neutral nations, including Cuba, have brought about, and there exists a state of war between the republic of Cuba and the Imperial German Government, formally declaring this, and to adopt all measures which may be necessary, and which I shall in due course propose and recommend to you, for the maintenance of our rights, for the defense of our territory, for insuring our safety, for preventing any acts which may be committed or attempted to our detriment, and for earnestly cooperating to these ends with the government of the United States, lending it all the assistance in our power for defending the freedom of the seas, the rights of neutrals, and international justice." The Cuban House of Representatives and Senate unanimously adopted in conformity with the recommendations of the presidential message the following joint resolution : Art. 1. A state of war is hereby formally declared as from this date between the Republic of Cuba and the Imperial German Government, and the President of the Republic is authorized and directed by this resolution to employ all the forces of the nation and all the resources of our govern- ment for making war upon the Imperial German Government, in order to maintain our rights, to protect our territory, to provide for our safety, to prevent any acts which may be committed or attempted in our detriment, and to defend the navigation of the seas, the freedom of commerce, the rights of neutrals, and international justice. Art. 2. The President of the Republic is hereby authorized to dispose of the land and water forces in such manner as he may deem necessary, utilizing the existing forces, reorganizing them or creating new ones, and to dispose of the economic resources of the nation in such measure as necessity may require. The President of Cuba, in an authorized statement regarding the causes which led Cuba to enter the war, says in part as follows : "The spontaneity and decision of these acts impart to them a very high and patriotic significance. No recommendation of the Government of the United States moved the will of the Government of Cuba nor excited the generous passions of her people. None was necessary. The horror uni- versally inspired by the haughty and violent attitude in which an imperial- istic power, vain of its might, attempted to impose upon the world an intolerable domination, was joined in the Cuban people with the energetic will, the noble ambition to cooperate with all their strength and with all their resources in the sacred defense of the liberty and sovereignty of all peoples against the malignant and menacing military power. "A relatively considerable number of large German steamships were held by the war in Cuban ports. I ordered their immediate seizure, as the 16 governments of all the belligerent nations have done in similar cases, and turned them over to the United States to freely use them in the prosecution of the war. "To the same end of frank cooperation the Government of Cuba author- ized the sending of American troops to different points in Cuba for military instructions and preparations. For the same purpose a goodly number of officers and enlisted men of the Cuban army were sent to the United States to complete and perfect their training for war. "The law establishing obligatory military service empowers the President to take steps for sending a contingent of our present regular army to the European battlefields, reinforced by such volunteers who wish to go and who have already, indeed, begun to enlist in considerable number. The President is also authorized to send military missions to the United States, England, France, and Italy. "The Fourth of July, anniversary of the independence of the United States, and the 14th and 21st of July, celebrated in France and in Belgium as patriotic fetes, have been declared legal holidays. "On December 6, 1917, I sent a message to Congress requesting a declara- tion of war between the Republic of Cuba and the Imperial and Royal Gov- ernment of Austria-Hungary, predicated upon the same ground as my message of April 7th and upon the important consideration that the Austro- Hungarian Government, intimately allied with that of Germany, had not ceased to second both on land and sea the unjustifiable conduct of the latter, thus meriting equally with the latter the just reprobations of the nations allied for the maintenance of international law and the rights of civilization and humanity ; a course in which I was influenced also by the similar action of the Government of the United States. The Congress responded to my request by adopting the joint resolution of December 16th, by which the existence of a state of war between the Republic of Cuba and the Imperial and Royal Government of Austria-Hungary was declared, and the same powers vested in me as conferred by the joint resolution of April 7, 1917." DOMINICAN REPUBLIC The Dominican Republic declared its neutrality in the early days of the war, and in June, 1917, the military government withdrew the exequatur of the German consular service in that country, thus severing diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and the German Empire, since there was no German Minister or Charge d'Affaires accredited to Santo Domingo. The general sentiment in the Dominican Republic is in favor of the Allies. ECUADOR When the United States broke off diplomatic relations with Germany, the Government of Ecuador stated to the Minister of the United States at Quito, in its note of February 11, 1917: "The efforts of neutral powers to soften the rigors of the present disastrous war are very commendable and worthy of applause, as are worthy the principles proclaimed by the Government of the United States in its note of April 18, 1916, addressed to the German Foreign Office through American Ambassador Gerard, con- cerning the inalienable rights of neutrals, the immunitv of noncombatants. 17 and those sacred rights of humanity which have universally and of old been accepted by civilized nations." The President of Ecuador, in his message to the Ecuadorean Congress of August 10, 1917, comments as follows on the subject: "We continue to uphold a policy of neutrality and our efforts to secure a more open and frank understanding among all nations of the American Continent. We have said on every occasion, when justice so demanded, that we are in sympathy with and have faith in the great democratic prin- ciples, the fundamental basis of those nations. The continent of America, therefore, will always find us with it." When Peru broke off diplomatic relations with Germany, on October 5, 1917, it was reported that Dr. Perl, who was the German Minister at Lima, intended to go to Ecuador, as he was appointed Minister to both countries. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, however, announced on Octo- ber 7th that the German Minister would not be received officially at Ecuador, in case he intended to present his credentials to the Ecuadorean Government, because Ecuador could not receive him without doing violence to the prin- ciples of American solidarity which governed her foreign policy. Ecuador broke off diplomatic relations with Germany, December 7, 1917, on account of improper conduct of a German diplomat, Mr. Muller, who sought to impose upon the Ecuadorean Government his recognition as Charge d'Affaires of Germany, though the Government of Ecuador never was will- ing to recognize his official character. The Ecuadorean Chancery was also induced to break relations with the German Empire, by principles of American solidarity. The President in his message to Congress, dated Avigust 10, 1918, made the following comment relative to the severance of diplomatic relations : "On December last we broke off diplomatic relations with the German Empire. In the sessions of 1917, the Congress had been already informed of our refusal to receive the German Minister, Mr. Perl, a refusal which impHed of course the suspension of our diplomatic intercourse with Ger- many. The attitude of Mr. Muller and our duty to follow a course which should express our solidarity with many countries of America which have already adopted a similar attitude or have gone even farther in their expres- sion of international policy, have seemed to us sufficient reasons to justify Ecuador, which is a democratic country with liberal institutions, in adopting such a course." GUATEMALA The Government of Guatemala, in its note of March 7, 1917, protested against the German Government's submarine blockade, of which it was notified on February 9th, stating that the whole policy adopted by the Ger- man Admiralty constituted a violation of the rights of nations. No attention whatever was paid to this protest, neither by the German Government nor by its diplomatic representative in Guatemala, and thereupon the Guatemalan Government broke oft" diplomatic relations in its note of April 27, 1917. 18 "In communicating the action of my government to your Excellency" — said the Minister of Guatemala to the Secretary of State — "I take pleasure in reiterating that Guatemala from the first has adhered to and supported the attitude of the United States in the defense of the rights of nations, the liberty of the seas and of international justice, and that it always has considered itself in unity with your great nation in the lofty principles which it has so wisely proclaimed for the good of humanity. "Therefore, Guatemala takes the greatest pleasure in offering to the United States of America her territorial waters, her ports and railways, for use in common defense, as also all elements which may be available for the same purpose." By decree dated April 21, 1918, of the National Legislative Assembly, Guatemala assumed the same attitude of belligerency toward the German Empire as the United States, according to a cable sent by President Estrada Cabrera to the Guatemalan Minister to Washington. At that time the following announcement was made : "The Minister of Guatemala in Washington has informed Secretary Lansing that he received a cablegram from President Estrada Cabrera of Guatemala stating that the National Legislative Assembly has issued a decree to the effect that the republic takes the same attitude as a belligerent as the attitude taken by the United States against the German Empire. "This decree comes as the consequence of the exchange of notes between the Guatemalan legation in Washington and the Department of State, when, on the 27th of April last, Guatemala severed its diplomatic relations with Germany and placed at the disposal of the United States all its elements for the common defense in the world conflict, which attitude the assembly has approved by making the constitutional declaration incumbent to it. Therefore, Guatemala is to-day in a state of war with Germany and its allies and on the side of the United States to uphold the rights of America and humanity, an attitude which it will maintain until, in accord with the United States, a lasting peace can be obtained based on the respect to the rights of the people and justice between nations, when Prussian militarism will cease to be a menace to the free countries and when the remains of barbarism will no longer attempt against modern civilization." HAITI On May 11, 1917, the National Assembly of Haiti protested against the establishment of the submarine blockade by Germany, placing the responsi- bility on the latter for the lives and interests of Haitian subjects traveling on the high seas with consequent indemnities and satisfactions. In the same document a benevolent policy was adopted toward the United States, and it was declared that diplomatic relations would be broken off with Germany if necessary. When several natives of Haiti lost their lives on the "Karnak" and "Montreal," the proper representations were made. Germany, in reply, handed the Charge d'Affaires of Haiti his passports, thus compelling Haiti in turn to dismiss the German Charge d'Affaires on June 16, 1917. The Government of Haiti declared war on Germany on July 12, 1918. 19 The President of Haiti, in a proclamation addressed on the same date to the Haitian people, says : "In the mighty conflict which stains with blood the whole world, two principles are opposed: One of them is brute force, inexorable, heartless, inaccessible to those lofty ideals which are the honor and the fundamental reason for the existence of the society of nations. "Opposed to this principle is the Right, the sacred Right, which is the emblem of the great moral conquest of Humanity. The small nations, therefore, have in their international life a sole force — Right — which is the guaranty of their existence. "Drawn by the inevitable development of events to the point of taking part in this mighty struggle, the Republic of Haiti could not hesitate for a moment. Germany, the formidable military power fighting against the nations, has declared herself in open rebellion against Right. Our place, therefore, is among the peoples which are fighting her, and which are fighting her with such heroism, supported by our powerful and natural ally, the United States, admirable in her lofty ideals, whose military genius has already revealed itself in achievements of wonderful courage." The Department of State sent the following message to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Haiti : "I have the honor to express on the part of the Government of the United States to the Government of Haiti, the active sympathy which this action by the Haitian Government evokes in the government and people of the United States. They deeply appreciate the association of the government and people of Haiti in this world war, and are proud to see the flag of another American republic added to the standards of those already raised in the common cause of world liberty," HONDURAS Honduras broke off diplomatic relations with Germany on May 17, 1917, as a protest against the submarine campaign. In the decree of that date, it is declared that "Honduras makes common cause with the United States, considering that it is incumbent upon her to declare her attitude in the conflict between the United States and Germany on account of the sub- marine warfare, in violation of the principles of international law, the rights of neutral property and the commerce on the high seas." The Government of Honduras offered to the United States its decided cooperation in every way possible, and on July 19, 1918, declared war on Germany, according to the following decree : "Francisco Bertrand, Constitutional President of the Republic of Hon- duras, "Considering that the motives which originated the severing of the diplomatic relations of this republic with the German Empire have become accentuated, being characterized every day by greater gravity for the inter- national life of all the peoples, "Considering that continental solidarity imposes upon the States of Amer- ica the duty to contribute according to the measure of their abilities toward the triumph of the cause of civilization and of the right which, with the 20 allied nations, the United States of America defends, and that consequently a definite attitude in the present conflict of the world is demanded. "Therefore, in council of ministers, decrees : "Article 1st. It is declared that there exists a state of war between the Republic of Honduras and the Government of the German Empire. "Article 2nd. Account shall be rendered to the National Congress at its next sessions." Upon receipt of a note from the Minister from Honduras officially informing the Department of his government's action in regard to the declaration of a state of war with Germany, the Department of State in- structed the American Minister at Tegucigalpa to inform the Government of Honduras "That it is with deep satisfaction that the Government of the United States learns that the Government of Honduras has decreed the existence of a state of war between Honduras and Germany. "The Government of the United States considers this action against the common foe of civilization a further proof that Honduras firmly espouses the cause of democracy, and tenders its congratulations to its sister republic upon the noble and high-minded position it has assumed in placing itself on the side of the other free nations which are championing the cause of humanity." MEXICO Mexico declared its neutrality and its position is outlined by the Execu- tive in his message before Congress on April 15, 1917. He said: "Having in view the fulfilment of the high duty of preserving and defending the national interests and inspired always by the most altruistic and humani- tarian motives, I shall guide the conduct of the government under my charge by all possible and dignified means, in the direction of a most strict and rigorous neutrality." President Carranza, at the opening of the Congress on September 1, 1917, reviewed the efforts the Mexican Government had made toward peace, mentioning the note in which it is proposed that all neutrals cease shipping supplies to the belligerents. He said that probably as a result of this action, Argentina had proposed a conference to discuss the attitude of neutral nations, but after many countries had agreed to attend it, it had been decided to postpone the conference indefinitely. President Carranza said that while his efforts for peace had not yet been successful, Mexico would still strive toward that end, and concluded by stating that Mexico surely would observe the strictest neutrality which had been and will be its rule of conduct. The President of Mexico, on the occasion of the presentation of the credentials of the Belgian Minister, in March, 1918, dwelt on the sacrifices of Belgium as follows : "It is a great pleasure for me to express to Your Excellency on this solemn occasion that Belgium in taking up arms, as Your Excellency affirms, in defense of her neutrality, her honor and her independence, has fulfilled 21 the most heroic act of modern times for the glory and example of weak nations. The countries which are not ready to shed the last drop of blood in defense of their autonomy and their institutions, have no right to be counted in the concert of free nations, and those which do not measure dangers or curtail sacrifices to preserve them, although they may be de- feated and chained, may rest assured of the advent of the bright day of their liberty, because they are worthy of it, because they live for it, and were born to enjoy it. "Belgium should be proud of her conduct and satisfied with her sacri- fices, because she knows how to fulfil her highest and most patriotic duties, making herself worthy of universal admiration and even of the respect and consideration of her own enemies. It is to be hoped that the bloody and terrible tragedy now being enacted in Europe may not prove fruitless, and that it may reveal new horizons in international life, firmly assuring the equality of all nations, whatever their importance might be, permitting them the free enjoyment of their sovereignty and of their rights, and that instead of the constant struggle among the countries of adverse interests, the most unconditional respect, frank and loyal cooperation may ensue for the benefit of their own inhabitants and those of other nations of the world. "I sincerely appreciate the friendly sentiments of your sovereign, as well as the kind wishes manifested by him for the prosperity of the United States of Mexico, and I beg Your Excellency to accept my most cordial and fervent wishes for the happiness of His Majesty King Albert I of Belgium, and for the personal welfare of Your Excellency. It shall be gratifying for my government to aid your efforts in strengthening the relations between our respective countries, and in giving you this assurance, I take pleasure in expressing my best wishes that your country may regain with its Hberty its old splendor protected by an everlasting and fruitful peace." The Mexican Ambassador comments as follows on the international policy of his country : "Our chief aim now is to remain neutral. To us this is not only a just, but a necessary policy. Mexico's position is not like that of other countries, which until recently have enjoyed the benefits of peace, and have now felt it necessary to embark upon a policy of war. "Should we develop our resources as a means to remedying the destruc- tion which war always brings and reconstruct the country, or should we interrupt our construction work to seek out a policy which even your own leaders agree would be detrimental to the interests of the Mexican people? "If the question of Mexico's national honor or Mexico's sovereign rights were involved, a deliberate policy of self-sacrifice might be necessary. But the belligerent countries have not given us cause for resentment, and our interests have not been injured, nor have they been seriously threatened. We cannot afford to participate in the war on one side or the other if we can honorably avoid it. Our policy is, therefore, one of peace and recon- struction as against war and its ravages." NICARAGUA Nicaragua broke off diplomatic relations with Germany on the 18th of May, 1917, and in the note of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Amer- ican Minister full sympathy with the policy of the United States is ex- pressed. The Minister states that by instructions of the President of the 22 l^epublic, he declares that Nicaragua is in full accord with the attitude the United States has taken for the safety of all the Latin American Continent, and as a measure of defense of the highest ideals and principles of civ- ilization. Nicaragua declared war on Germany May 8, 1918, according to the following decree : "The Senate and Chamber of Representatives of Nicaragua decree : "1st. It is hereby declared that from now on there exists a state of war between Nicaragua and the Imperial Governments of Germany and Austria- Hungary. "2nd. It is hereby declared that Nicaragua makes common cause with the United States of America and with the Latin American RepubHcs which are at war with the said Imperial Governments. "3rd. Now, therefore, it is declared that the republic is in a state of siege and the Executive is hereby authorized to take all necessary steps to secure the earnest cooperation of Nicaragua, in compliance with this decree." The President of Nicaragua declared the Fourth of July a national holiday. PANAMA Panama declared war on Germany, April 7, 1917. The President of that country, in his proclamation to the people, dated April 7, 1917, de- clared: "Our indisputable duty in this tremendous hour of history is of a common ally, whose interests and existence as well are linked indissolubly with the United States. As the situation creates dangers for our country, it is the duty of the Panaman people to cooperate with all the energies and resources they can command for the protection of the canal and to safe- guard national territory. "The attitude of the people was foreseen and interpreted faithfully in a resolution unanimously approved by the National Assembly on February 24th, and confirmed by later laws, and the moment has arrived for the Executive to act in accordance w^ith the declarations of the supreme body. I therefore declare that the Panaman Nation will lend emphatic cooperation to the United States against enemies who execute or attempt to execute hostile acts against the territory of the canal, or in any manner affect or tend to affect the common interests. "The government will adopt adequate measures in accordance with the circumstances. I consider it the patriotic duty of all Panaman citizens to facilitate the military operations which the forces of the United States undertake within the limits of our country. Foreigners, resident or tran- sient, will be obliged to submit to the conditions of this declaration." In addition to this official document clearly defining Panama's attitude. President Valdez sent a message on April 6, 1917, to President Wilson, indorsing the action of the United States in declaring war against Germany, 23 "after the United States had given unequivocal proofs of its love of peace, and had made efforts to save vi^estern civilization from the horrors of war, and had borne with patience a long series of provocations as irritating as they have been unjustifiable. But all has been in vain. The persistency of Germany in trampling upon the rights of neutrals and the international treaties upon which rest the confidence and the peace of the world and the principles of justice and humanity which form the moral heritage of man- kind, has resulted in her losing gradually the good will of the nations, and it will end in arousing against her the hostility of the whole world. "The republic of Panama, whose future is so intimately identified with that of the great American democracy, will take upon itself in this trial the obligations concurrent with its conception of solidarity." The National Assembly of Panama, on the 10th of December, 1917, imssed the following resolution declaring a state of war with Austria- Hungary : "The National Assembly of Panama: In view of the message of the President, in which he advises the National Assembly of the declaration of war made by the Congress of the United States of America on the Austro- i Hungarian Empire, and considering that the Republic of Panama has ex- pressed before in its laws and resolutions its firm willingness to lend to the United States of America all the powers and cooperation that it may be capable of in the present war, making common cause with the democratic nations which are fighting to impede the predominance of the world by the Teuton powers, be it "Resolved, That the Republic of Panama be declared in a state of war from to-day, December 10, 1917, with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. "That the President be invested with the necessary powers to cooperate with the United States of America in the prosecution of the war in accord- ance with the principles of international law." PARAGUAY Paraguay maintained her neutrality in the present conflict. But as an