19 January, 1917:
The Zimmerman Note
to the German Minister to Mexico
Berlin, January 19, 1917
On the first of February we intend to begin submarine
warfare unrestricted.
In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to
keep neutral the United States of America.
If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance
on the following
basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together
and together make peace. We shall give general financial support,
and it is
understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost
territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details are left
to you for
settlement....
You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico
of the above in the
greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there
will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest
that the
President of Mexico, on his own initiative, should
communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan;
at the
same time, offer to mediate between Germany and
Japan.
Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico
that the employment
of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to
compel England to make peace in a few months.
