The Government of the United States having violated in the most flagrant
manner and in ever-increasing measure all rules of neutrality in favor
of the adversaries of Germany and having continually been guilty of the
most severe provocations toward Germany ever since the outbreak of the
European war, provoked by the British declaration of war against Germany
on September 3, 1939, has finally resorted to open military acts of aggression.
On September 11, 1941, the President of the United States publicly declared
that he had ordered the American Navy and Air Force to shoot on sight at
any German war vessel. In his speech of October 27, 1941, he once more
expressly affirmed that this order was in force. Acting under this order,
vessels of the American Navy, since early September 1941, have systematically
attacked German naval forces. Thus, American destroyers, as for instance
the Greer, the Kearny and the Reuben James, have opened fire on German
submarines according to plan. The Secretary of the American Navy, Mr. Knox,
himself confirmed that American destroyers attacked German submarines.
Furthermore, the naval forces of the United States, under order of their
Government and contrary to international law have treated and seized German
merchant vessels on the high seas as enemy ships.
The German Government therefore establishes the following facts:
Although Germany on her part has strictly adhered to the rules of international
law in her relations with the United States during every period of the
present war, the Government of the United States from initial violations
of neutrality has finally proceeded to open acts of war against Germany.
The Government of the United States has thereby virtually created a state
The German Government, consequently, discontinues diplomatic relations
with the United States of America and declares that under these circumstances
brought about by President Roosevelt, Germany too, as from today, considers
herself as being in a state of war with the United States of America.
Accept, Mr. Chargé d'Affaires, the expression of my high consideration.
December 11, 1941