"Even if we condemn the doings of the Greater-Serbian Nationalists,
still the wicked war-provocation of the Austro-Hungarian Government
calls forth the most stinging protest. The demands made by this
government are so brutal, that in the history of the world their like
has never been presented to an independent State, and they can only be
calculated to provoke war.

"Germany's proletariat, conscious of its mission, raises herewith, in
the name of humanity and civilization, the most fervent protest
against this criminal action of the war party (_Kriegshetzer_). It
(the Social Democratic Party) demands imperatively that the German
Government should exercise all its influence on the Austrian
Government to preserve peace, and in case this infamous war cannot be
prevented then to abstain from any warlike interference. No single
drop of blood of a single German soldier may be sacrificed to gratify
the lust for power of the Austrian autocracy, the Imperial
profit-interests.

"Comrades! we call upon you to give expression to the working-classes'
unshakable will for peace in mass meetings. This is a serious moment,
more solemn than any in the last few decades. There is danger in
delay. A world war threatens us. The ruling classes who enslave,
despise and exploit you in times of peace desire now to misuse you as
cannon-fodder. From all sides the cry must ring in the ears of those
in authority: We don't want war! Down with war!

"Long live international brotherhood!

"Berlin, July 25th, 1914.