Arthur Zimmermann  
(05.10.1864 - 06.06.1940)
place of birth:  Marggrabowa, Ostpreußen  (Olecko, Poland)
Deutsches Kaiserreich:  Staatssekretär des Auswärtigen Amtes

                         

Imperial Germany's Foreign Minister who served during the Great War years (1916-17). Prior to the War, Herr Zimmermann was responsible for drafting the communiqué to Vienna which promised Germany's support should Austro-Hungarian troops invade Serbia. He later authored the sensational proposal to Mexico (Zimmermann Telegram) to enter war in alliance against the U.S.; the quid pro quo being German assistance in helping Mexico retake lost territory in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. This became a principle factor in the U.S. decision to declare war on Germany
(1917). He died on 6 June 1940 in Berlin.




 
 

Außen-Minister  22.11.1916  -  06.08.1917
 
 
 

"We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal of alliance on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The settlement in detail is left to you. You will inform the [Mexican] President of the above most secretly as soon as the outbreak of war with the United States of America is certain and add the suggestion that he should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence and at the same time mediate between Japan and ourselves. Please call the [Mexican] President's attention to the fact that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England in a few months to makes peace."      Signed     ZIMMERMANN