Le Maréchal Von der Goltz fait connaître aux Populations de Belgique qu'il est informé par les Généraux Commandants les troupes d'occupation sur le territoire français, que le choléra sévit avec intensité dans les troupes alliées, et qu'il y a le plus grand danger à franchir ces lignes, ou à pénétrer dans le territoire ennemi
Nous invitons les Populations de Belgique à ne pas entreìndre cet avis, et ceux qui croiraient ne pas devoir se soumettre à cet avis, seront traduits devant les Officiers de la Justice Impériale, et nous les prévenons que la peine peut-être celle de mort.
Maréchal Von der Goltz
Septembre 1914
[h] Transcriber's note: the text of the letter reads:
I have learned with gratification of the noble and effective work being done by American citizens and officials on behalf of my stricken people. I confidently hope that their efforts will receive that ungrudging support which we have learned to expect from the generous womanhood of America.
We mothers of Belgium no less than the mothers of America have for generations instilled in our children the instincts and the love of peace. We asked no greater boon than to live in peace and friendship with all the world. We have provoked no war, yet in defense of our hearthstones, our country has been laid waste from end to end.
The flow of commerce has ceased and my people are faced with famine. The terrors of starvation with its consequences of disease and violence menace the unoffending civilian population--the aged, the infirm, the women and the children.
American officials and citizens in Belgium and England, alive to their country's traditions, have created an organization under the protection of their government and are already sending food to my people. I hope that they may receive the fullest sympathy and aid from every side.
I need not say that I and my people shall always hold in grateful remembrance the proven friendship of America in this hour of need.