THE INSIDE OF GERMAN DIPLOMACY
_The Diary Continued_
_October, 1915._ There is a tendency here to say Bernstorff went
too far. But this is all for the public, von Jagow told a
correspondent so to-day; but, of course, he did not know about
the note of Austria to Servia either! The Marine people are
positively raging. The paper which Reventlow writes for, the
_Tages Zeitung_, was suppressed yesterday; I hear on account of
an article on this _Arabic_ settlement, but I am not yet sure.
There is talk now of marching to Egypt.
More and more men are being called to colours. But Germany seems
to be able to take care of all fronts. The Emperor is now in the
West. The Foreign Office leads the rejoicing over the Entente's
invasion of Greece and the violation of its neutrality and says
that talk about Belgium is now shown to be _cant_.
Weather is rotten and we shall have a melancholy winter. Feel the
war more--deaths and prices. Six hundred and eighty thousand
killed to October first, and many crippled. Food way up, but they
cannot starve Germany out.
Suppression of the _Tages Zeitung_ means that the Chancellor has
at last exhibited some backbone and will fight von Tirpitz. The
answer of Germany depends on the outcome of this fight. It is
possible that von Falkenhayn and the army party may sustain the
Chancellor as against von Tirpitz. It is quite likely that a sort
of safe conduct will be offered in the note for ships especially
engaged in passenger trade. Much stress will be laid on English
orders to merchant ships to ram submarines.
* * * * *
The Kaiser is at Pless, a castle of Prince of Pless, in Silesia,
near Breslau, where he moved after the attempt of French fliers
to bombard him at Charleville on the West Front. The Germans
probably will have Lemberg in a few days. This may prevent
Roumania coming in. There is talk here of an attempted revolution
in Moscow. There is said to be jealousy of Hindenburg and on
account of this, Mackensen was put forward to be the hero of the
Galician Campaign. Captain Enochs, one of our observers in
Austria, was forced out of Austria because of German pressure and
our other military observers will follow soon.
Many commercial magnates have arrived in town to argue with the
government against war with America; but some are in favor of the
continuance of bitter submarine war, notably one who sees his
Bagdad railway menaced by possible English success in the
Dardanelles.
_November, 1915._ A man who saw Tisza tells me the Serbs inquired
if they could get peace and retain their territories. They were
answered, "No."
It is said that Italy has also felt out for peace, but was
answered that she must deal with Austria alone--and Austria says
that she will not include Italy in any general peace but will
wallop her alone after general peace is made.
* * * * *
I am working hard to get British prisoners properly clothed.
Winter is already here. Efforts to starve Germany will not
succeed. We shall be on meat and butter cards, but that is only a
precaution. The people still are well in hand. Constant rumours
of peace keep them hopeful. Men over forty-five not yet called.
They seem to have plenty of troops. The military are careless of
the public opinion of neutrals; they say they are winning and do
not need good opinion. I am really afraid of war against us after
this war--if Germany wins. We had snow, ice, and cold weather at
the end of October.
There have been uneasy movements among the people in Leipzig, a
great industrial centre, and the _Volkzeitung_, a Socialist paper
there, has been put under permanent preventive censorship.
All these movements start with the question of the price of food.
The Prussian Junkers, however, are really benefited by the war.
They get, even with a high "stop price," three times as much as
formerly for their agricultural products and pay only a small
sum, sixty pfennig daily, for the prisoners of war who now work
their fields. They may, in addition, have to pay the keep of the
prisoners, but that is very small. Camp commanders are allowed
sixty-six pfennig per head per diem.
* * * * *
There is much talk of peace. The shares of the Hamburg-American
Line and the shares of the Hamburg-South American Line have risen
enormously in price from fifty-six to one hundred and forty in
one case. This may be caused by an advantageous sale of some
shares of the Holland-American Line or by promise of a subsidy,
or by hopes of peace.
* * * * *
There is no question but that every man under forty-five that can
drag a rifle has been drafted for the army, with the possible
exception of men working in railways, munitions, etc.
Yesterday I noticed many women working on the roadbed of the
railway.
* * * * *
The new Peruvian Minister is named von der Heyde; his father was
a German.
The Greek Minister still thinks Greece will stay out of the war.
His father is one of the cabinet.
* * * * *
The Germans are very glad to get rid of Brand Whitlock. For some
time they have been looking for an excuse to expel him.
* * * * *
The dyestuff and other chemical manufacturers are getting quite
scared about possible American competition. I hope the Democrats
will give protection to these new industries and will also enact
some "anti-dumping" legislation.
The German cities are adding to the general weight of debt by
incurring large debts for war purposes, such as relief of
soldiers' families, etc.
* * * * *
The former Turkish Ambassador, who is against the Young Turks, is
living here. He is afraid to go back and also the Germans are
keeping him in stock in case the Young Turks go out of power, and
possibly to stir up trouble in Egypt, as his wife is a daughter
of one of the Khedives.
There are lots of suspicious looking Spaniards about, possibly
cooking up an attack on Gibraltar.
Any German peace talk includes payment of a large subsidy by
England, Russia, and France; Italy to be left to Austria to
finish.
The export of gold has now been formally forbidden.
There is no doubt whatever that the population in the conquered
portion of Poland has been for a long time in need of food.
* * * * *
Our Military Attaché, Colonel Kuhn, just back from Servia, says
the Germans have, literally, stacks of ammunition and had begun
preparing last spring for the present attack, even little
mountain wagons and new harness being all ready. Only about six
German corps are there.
The hate against Americans here is deep-seated and bitter. Hans
Winterfeldt, a prominent German banker, with American citizenship,
just came in to tell me that at the annual meeting to-day of the
great Allegemeine Electricitäts Gesellschaft a fight was started
against him because of his American citizenship, and he was not,
therefore, re-elected a director. He thinks of resigning from all
banks, etc., and returning to America.
* * * * *
_December, 1915._ Red Cross Doctor Schmidt just in from Servia
says Belgrade was completely plundered.
Having lots of difficulty getting the Germans to give the English
prisoners clothes.
Hate of Americans worse than ever.
Germans are not resentful when I fight to get things for English
prisoners; they only say they hope our Ambassadors are doing the
same for Germans.
Much disappointment at Dr. Snoddy's mission not yet being
permitted to work in Russia.
* * * * *
Last Tuesday night I ran into quite a peace demonstration, called
by placards the night of the Peace Interpretation in the
Reichstag. Soon disbanded by the police with many arrests. One
man told me that they were tired of a silly war and days without
meat. There has been nothing in the papers about these demonstrations;
of course, each arrest makes an anarchist for life.
It is hard to get butter. The women storm the butter shops and
market.
In a new building (where the Consulate is) they are taking off
the _copper_ roof.
[Illustration: FACSIMILE OF AN ORDER ISSUED BY COMMANDER OF
GERMAN PRISON CAMP OF DOEBERITZ. MANY CAMP COMMANDERS, WITHOUT
AUTHORITY, UNDERTOOK TO MAKE PRISONERS SUFFER FOR ALLEGED AND
UNPROVED MISDEEDS OF THE BRITISH. I HAD GREAT TROUBLE IN WATCHING
FOR ORDERS OF THIS CHARACTER AND SECURING THEIR ANNULMENT:
ORDER.
The unheard-of and rough treatment, which,
according to reliable information, has been
accorded to civilian prisoners, and particularly
German women and children who remain in England,
has caused the withdrawal of all privileges
formerly granted to English Prisoners of War. On
this account, permission for all kinds of
amusements and games has been cancelled.
The time for bathing has been limited to 10
minutes.
The English Prisoners of War, Mc Lachlan, was shot
dead early on the 7th. August, whilst attempting
to escape.
The English Prisoner of War, Orton, has been
summoned to a Military Trial owing to resistance
agairest to Authority.
Alberti
Oberst und Kommandant
des Gefangenenlagers Döberitz.]
Of a sudden--peace talk. The Chancellor is waiting to address the
Reichstag, waiting to get the sentiment of the members who are
all in Berlin, and then swim with it. Many members, who are not
Socialists, favour peace, and the Chancellor will be forced to
make some sort of a declaration on why they are fighting and for
what.
A Reichstag member told me the Reichstag will say and do things
it did not dream of doing six months ago. There are many quiet
meetings of members going on.
Hindenburg is out with an interview saying it is not yet time for
peace. This is a Government measure to stamp out peace talk among
the Reichstag members.
* * * * *
Am having a hard fight to get the British prisoners properly
clothed for the winter. Of course, the Germans have rather a
difficult time with so many prisoners, but that is no excuse if
men die of cold. The weather is and has been bitterly cold.
Saw von Jagow lately, but only on business and commercial
questions. Zimmermann lunched here to-day. Roeder, of the
_World_, is here making a study of German industrial conditions.
I introduced him to Gutmann, of the Dresdner Bank; Rathenau, head
of the Allegemeine Electricitäts Gesellschaft; Dr. Solf, Colonial
Minister, and others. I think his report will be very sound and
worth reading.
There is no question but that there is a deep-seated hatred of
America here, _which must be reckoned with sooner or later_.
I don't expect things to be easy, but I wish to goodness all
Americans would stay at home.
Greek Minister still thinks Greece will remain neutral.
Probably greatest need of Germany is lubricating oil for
machines, etc. Germans claim to have a copper mine in Servia. I
never heard of one there.
* * * * *
Dr. Ohnesorg, U. S. N., and Osborne back from inspecting camps.
They report bad conditions; they were not allowed (contrary to
our "treaty") to talk out of hearing of camp officers to the
prisoners in Lemburg Camp. These prisoners are 2,000 Irish, and
the reason, of course, for the refusal of the usual permission is
that the Germans, through the notorious Sir Roger Casement, have
been trying to seduce the Irish, and do not want the soldier
prisoners to tell us about it. I have learned, through other
sources, that the Germans seduced about 30 Irish. I told von
Jagow what I had learned and asked what the Germans had done with
these victims--whether they were in the German army or not. He
said, "No, most of them had been sent to Ireland to raise hell
there." I suppose they were landed from submarines.
* * * * *
I think the German press has received orders to step softly on
the von Papen-Boy-ed recall. The greatest danger now lies in
Austria, and over the _Ancona_ note. There is a large body of
manufacturers, ship-owners, etc., here who at the last moment
declare themselves against war with the U. S. A. and use their
influence to that end, but in Austria no such interests exist to
help toward peace. However, pressure from Germany may be brought
to bear.
I think Germany will not send successors to von Papen and Boy-ed
even with safe conduct; whether they will ask the recall of our
attachés is another question not yet decided.
An official tells me confidentially that Rintelen was sent to
America to buy up the product of the Dupont Powder Company, and
that if he did anything else he exceeded his instructions.
Shop people in Berlin with whom I have talked are getting sick of
the war.
I hear rumours that Germany is trying, through its Minister in
China, to come to an understanding with Japan and Russia.
The banks are sending circulars to all safe-deposit box holders,
trying to get them to give up their gold.
An American clergyman has just told me the German church body has
refused to receive an American Church deputation and has written
a very bitter letter.
An official has told me that no new Military Attaché will be sent
to America. The naval people have not yet decided.
* * * * *
I am very glad to hear Colonel House is coming over. There are
many things I want to tell the President but which I do not dare
to commit to paper.
A newspaperman supposed to be of the _New York_ ---- had an
interview with Zimmermann the other day, and Zimmermann sent some
messages by him to the President. I do not know what the
messages are. We all suffer much from amateur diplomats.
* * * * *
Anthony Czarnecki, a very intelligent Chicagoan, an American of
Polish descent, is here representing Victor Lawson and the
_Chicago Daily News_. He informs me that the Spy Nest is
contemplating an attack on the Administration because of the
taking away of Archibald's and others' passports.
* * * * *
My impression is that the Austrians, owing to pressure from here,
will eventually give in on the _Ancona_ business. I think the
present a good time to force the settlement of the _Lusitania_
question.
NOTE. I do not suppose that any Ambassador ever
suffered as much from amateur "super Ambassadors"
as I did.
The German Foreign Office, trying to be modern and
up-to-date at times, paid more attention to the
tales of pro-German American correspondents than
they did to the utterances of President Wilson.
Of course, the Germans succeeded in taking many of
those correspondents in their camp. In the Hotel
---- in Berlin an agent of the German Government
who possessed American citizenship was always
ready to arrange trips to the front or to make an
advance of money to an American correspondent who
would promise to be "good."
Some received cash, some were paid in interviews
with prominent officials, some received both,
before all was continually dangled the blue
ribbon--the hope of an interview with the
Kaiser--and some, thank God, were real Americans
and refused all the offered temptations--news or
money.
An American gentleman who lived for a time at this
hotel has given me a written statement which
throws a light on the activities of certain of
these gentry and which I may some day use. In this
he states how one of these gentlemen claimed that
the Imperial Chancellor always sent for him to
consult him on his attitude towards America and
that he had advised him to make a bold front and
bluff. Hence, perhaps the note of January
thirty-first which suddenly announced the ruthless
submarine war.
I have proof that one of this traitorous gang went
about Berlin personating me. What scheme he was
cooking up I do not know.
Zimmermann was particularly weak in being advised
by one of these shady individuals.
I think the German Government will allow Ford or any of his
angels to come here, but the Peace Ark seems pretty well wrecked.
Provincial and small newspapers are much more bitter against
America than the larger ones.
Von Jagow told me the other day that he thought the feeling here
against America was so bitter that, eventually, war would be
inevitable.
* * * * *
Received following anonymous letter:
"I am enabled to-day to give your Excellency news
of the utmost importance, Germany is at the end of
its forces and the Imperial Government is inclined
to make peace cost what may! One of the most
prominent and influential members of the Reichstag
has assured me, that the general conviction of the
parliament is dominated by the absolute necessity,
to pull back and to strive for peace as soon as
possible. The financial aspect given by Dr.
Helfferich is disastrous, the military situation,
taken in the whole, unsatisfactory and the
confidential information, given by Herr von Jagow
in the committee with regard to the Egyptian
expedition, discouraging if not hopeless. The
Government and particularly Herr von Bethmann wish
for peace, but believe themselves restrained by
public opinion and by the fear of the
Pan-Germanists. It's now the psychological moment
for intervention by the United States and there
can be no doubt, that it should and will be
exercised in favour of humanity, culture and
freedom, in favour of the prevalence of the
Anglo-Saxon race and the future development of the
new world against Prussian barbarity, Imperial
despotism and Teutonic slavery!
22. XII. 1915.
OLD GENTLEMAN."