We are at war, and both sides have fought a loyal fight.
Our desire is, however, to spare disarmed citizens and the inhabitants of all towns and villages.
We maintain a severe discipline, and we wish to have it known that punishment of the severest character will be inflicted upon any who are guilty of hostility to the Imperial German arms, either open or in secret.
To our regret any incitements, cruelties, or brutalities we must judge with equal severity.
I therefore call upon all local mayors, magistrates, clergy, and schoolmasters to urge upon the populace, and upon the heads of families, to urge upon those under their protection, and upon their domestics, to refrain from committing any act of hostility whatsoever against my soldiers.
All misery avoided is a good work in the eye of our Sovereign Judge, who sees all men.
I earnestly urge you to heed this advice, and I trust in you.
Take notice!
VON KRONHELM,
Commanding the Imperial German Army.
German Military Headquarters,
Whitehall, London, September 20, 1910.