GERMANY'S PLAN TO ATTACK AMERICA
_The Diary Continued_
_January, 1916._ Many of the intelligent rich are expressing the
fear that after this war the Socialist high price system,
governmental seizure of food, control of raw materials, etc.,
will be continued and also that the owners of large landed
estates will be compelled to subdivide them.
* * * * *
We are getting vague and conflicting reports in the newspapers
here about the sinking of the _Persia_. There seems to be no end
to this business. Perhaps it is best to have the inevitable _come
now_. The hate of America has grown to such an extent under
careful Government stimulus that I am quite sure we will be the
first attacked after the war. Therefore, if it is to come, it had
better come now when we would start with a certain fleet in
command of the seas, making it impossible for agitators,
dynamiters, and spies to be sent to Mexico and South America and
into the U. S. A. through Canada and Mexico. From the highest to
the lowest I get intimations that at the first chance America
will be attacked.
There is still a spirit of confidence in ultimate success, amply
justified, it would seem, by the military situation.
A lot of dyestuffs mysteriously left Germany recently in spite of
the embargo, and got to Holland, billed to America, where it
remains, awaiting a permit from the British. Perhaps the Germans
are getting worried about the possible building-up of the
industry at home. The profits of the German dyestuff "trust" are
certainly great enough to tempt the trust to do anything to keep
the monopoly. Hardly a company pays less than 24 per cent.
dividends.
* * * * *
The Kaiser is still laid up with a boil on his neck.
I am waiting the arrival of Colonel House, who, I suppose, will
be here in ten days or so.
S. S. McClure of the good ship _Nutty_ (Proprietor Ford), Herman
Bernstein and Inez Milholland Boissevain, likewise of the crew,
have been here. Their stories are most amusing. Apparently, now,
the nuttiest have voted to remain a permanent committee at The
Hague; salary (five thousand suggested) to each to be paid by
Ford--with washing and expenses.
* * * * *
The Reichstag, sitting in "Budget Commission," is getting quite
worked up over the censorship and the Socialists are demanding
the freedom of the press.
Yesterday one member said he thought it would do the U. S. A.
good if they knew what the Germans really thought of Americans.
The spy system here is very complete and even the President and
Cabinet at home in America are surrounded. Heydebrand, leader of
the Conservative Party, called the uncrowned King of Prussia,
said yesterday in the Prussian Chamber that "America was among
the worst enemies of Germany." I am convinced that Germany, as
now advised, either will attack America or land in South America,
if successful in this war. Falkenhayn, Chief of the General
Staff, said, referring to America, "It is hard to stop a
victorious army."
* * * * *
I have just returned from three days in Munich. I visited two
prison camps and the American Red Cross Hospital in Munich and
conferred with Archdeacon Nies (of the American Episcopal
Church), who is permitted to visit Bavarian prison camps, talk to
prisoners, and hold services in English. These Bavarian camps are
under Bavarian, not Prussian, rule.
Munich seems lively and contented. I saw great quantities of
soldiers there and at Ingolstadt.
I expect Colonel House about the 26th, and shall be very glad to
see him.
* * * * *
Morgenthau was here for a day. I took him to see von Jagow, where
we talked for an hour. Later, through some Germans, he met
Zimmermann, who asked him if he did not think the German-Americans
in America would rise in rebellion if trouble came between
Germany and America.
Von Jagow was very explicit in saying that Germany had made no
agreement with us about submarine commanders. He said distinctly
that Germany reserved the right to change these orders at any
time. On the general question, he again said that the submarine
was a new weapon and that the rules of international law must be
changed, apparently claiming the right for Germany to change
these rules at will and without the consent of any other power
involved.
Morgenthau sailed Sunday, the sixth, from Copenhagen. The
newspapers to-day and last night print articles to the effect
that the negotiations are taking a more favourable course.
* * * * *
_February, 1916._ I dined last night at von Jagow's. He said I
would get a note to-day which would accept all Bernstorff's
propositions except, as he put it, one word, viz.: Germany will
acknowledge liability for the loss of American lives by the
sinking of the _Lusitania_, but will not acknowledge that the act
of sinking was illegal. He said that international law had to be
changed, that the submarine was a new weapon, and that, anyway,
if a break came with America, that they had a lot of new
submarines here and would make an effective submarine blockade of
England. To-day a cipher from the German Foreign Office came in
to be forwarded to the State Department for Bernstorff, so I
suppose this is what he referred to. Probably the Germans are in
earnest on this proposition. It is now squarely up to the
American people to decide.
Of course, I am very much disturbed at the turn of affairs, but I
am doing nothing except repeating to Lansing what is said to me,
and trying to convince the Germans that we are in earnest.
* * * * *
I was very glad to see Colonel House in Berlin, for many reasons,
and, especially, that the President may get his view of the
situation here. He had long talks with the Chancellor, von Jagow,
and Zimmermann, and also met Dr. Solf, the Colonial Minister; von
Gwinner, head of the Deutsche Bank; Gutmann, of the Dresdner
Bank; and Dr. Rathenau, head of the Allegemeine Electricitäts
Gesellschaft and many corporations, who is now engaged with the
General Staff in providing raw materials for Germany.
I think the Germans are getting short of copper and nickel,
especially the latter. Copper lightning rods of churches have
been taken and an effort was made to take the brass reading desk
in the American Church and the fittings in the Japanese Embassy.
I think from underground rumours that the Germans and the
propagandists will endeavour to embroil us with Japan.
Baroness von Schroeder, a von Tirpitz spy, stated the other day
that Japan would send a note to the United States of America
making demands on the U. S. in regard to the Japanese immigration
question.
There was a well-defined report that Germany would issue a
manifesto stating that enemy merchant ships would be fired on
without notice and this because of orders alleged to have been
found on British ships ordering merchant ships to fire on
submarines at sight.
The Chancellor told me he was ready for peace but that all his
emissaries had met with a cold reception in the Allied countries
of France, England and Russia.
* * * * *
A fight against the Chancellor has been started in the home of
the Junkers--the Prussian Chamber. The powerful liberal papers
are jumping hard on the disturbers and the Chancellor hit back
quite hard. These Junkers are demanding unlimited submarine war
and are stirred up by von Tirpitz. It is one of their last kicks
as soon a real suffrage will have to be introduced in Prussia.
The Chancellor foreshadowed this in opening this Prussian
Chamber; hence the tears!
The visit of Colonel House here was undoubtedly, from this end, a
success; and I am glad that he can give the President a fresh and
impartial view.
* * * * *
March first we go on a milk and butter card regime. I have put
the Polish question (food) up to Zimmermann, and asked informally
whether proper guarantees against the direct or indirect taking
of food and money from Poland will be stopped, if relief is sent;
no answer yet.
* * * * *
In spite of what I was told by certain exalted personages last
autumn, I think that if the war continues much longer the
President will be welcomed as a mediator. In fact, there are a
number of cartoons and articles appearing in the newspapers
which, in tone, are against the President because he does not
insist on peace.
I think that we may soon look for a very strong German attack on
the West Front, an endeavour to break through before the time
when the French and English are contemplating their offensive,
which is probably some time in March.
At or about the same time there will probably be great Zeppelin
attacks on London and on other English centres. It is reported
that in their next offensive the Germans will use a more deadly
form of poison gas.
* * * * *
I had the grippe, went to Partenkirchen for a few days, but the
first night in country air since July, 1914, was too much for me
and filled me with such energy that I tried skiing, fell down and
broke my collar-bone, came to Berlin and can sit at my desk, but
am very uncomfortable.
I think Germany was about to offer to sink no merchant ships
without notice and putting crews, etc., in safety, if England
would disarm merchant ships, but now, since the President's
letter to Stone, both the Chancellor and von Jagow say they are
convinced that America has a secret understanding with England
and that nothing can be arranged.
Captain Persius points out in to-day's _Tageblatt_ that it is not
submarines alone that are now, without notice, going to sink
armed merchant ships, but cruisers, etc., will take a hand.
It is reported that the Kaiser went to Wilhelmshafen to warn
submarine commanders to be careful and that submarines will hunt
in pairs, one standing ready to torpedo while the other warns.
The German losses at Verdun are small as artillery fire
annihilated enemy first. I think an attack will be made now in
another part of the front.
Germany has forbidden the _import_ of many articles of luxury;
this is to keep exchange more normal and keep gold in the
country. This probably will continue after the war.
* * * * *
Some newspaper men just in from Verdun report the Germans saving
men--losses small--going at it with artillery, probably over
1,000 guns, and making a slow and almost irresistible push. Some
military attachés think there may be a strong attack somewhere
else on the front.
This Verdun attack was undoubtedly made to keep Roumania out.
I think the food question here is getting very serious, but
before they are starved out they will starve six million
Belgians, eleven million Russians and Poles and two million
prisoners; so that, after all, this starvation business is not
practical.
* * * * *
There was a Grand Council of War last week at Charleville to
determine whether von Tirpitz's proposition, to start an
unlimited submarine blockade of England, should be started or
not--i.e., sink all ships, enemy and neutral, at sight.
Falkenhayn was for this, the Chancellor against, and von Tirpitz
lost. The decision, of course, was made by the Emperor.
Great advertising efforts are being made on the question of the
Fourth War Loan. It will, of course, be announced as successful.
There are undoubtedly two submarine parties in Germany and there
may be an unlimited blockade of England.
I think Germany, as at present advised, is willing, if merchant
ships are disarmed, to agree to sink no boats whatever without
warning and without putting passengers and crew in safety. The
Admiralty approves of this.
One of the American correspondents publishes an article in the
_Lokal Anzeiger_ on America, in which he makes some statements no
loyal American should make just now.
* * * * *
The "illness" of von Tirpitz is announced. I think it means his
resignation, and have just cabled, although it is possible that
his resignation may never be publicly announced. For one thing,
the Kaiser and army people began to think it was a bad innovation
to have any officer or official appealing to cheap newspapers and
the "man in the street" in a conflict with superior authority.
I heard that at Charleville conference both the Chancellor and
von Jagow said they would resign if von Tirpitz's policy of
unlimited submarine war on England was adopted.
The food question is becoming really acute--the village people
are about starving in some sections and are not as well off as
the people in the big towns; it is the policy to keep the people
in the cities as content as possible in order to prevent riots,
demonstrations, etc.
* * * * *
Some Germans have asked me if the sending of a German "Colonel
House" to America would be agreeable to the President. Probably
the Envoy would be Solf, and he could talk informally to the
President and prominent people. If sent he would require a safe
conduct from England and France.
I hear the submarines now are mostly engaged in mine laying, at
the mouth of the Thames.
* * * * *
Events are beginning to march. At first von Tirpitz's "illness"
was announced, then came his resignation. Yesterday was his
birthday and a demonstration was expected; there were many police
out, but I could see no demonstrators. The row may come in the
Reichstag.
There are two sources of danger; first, a failure at Verdun and
the new food regulations may make people ready to accept
Tirpitz's guarantee that if he is allowed his way the war can be
won and ended. He has a large following already who favour this
plan; second, there are some Reichstag members and others who
think the Tirpitz people can never be reconciled unless there is
a new Chancellor.
The Chancellor sent for me Friday. I think the Chancellor wants
to keep peace with America and also wishes to make a general
peace. He talked, or rather I talked, a little about terms. He
still wants to hang on to Belgium, but I think will give most of
it up; but is fixed for an indemnity from France. The loss of
life here is affecting every one, the Chancellor is a very good
man, and I think honestly desires an honourable peace.
* * * * *
Potatoes are restricted from to-day, 10 pounds per head in 12
days, not much, bacon and lard practically not to be had, butter
only in small quantities and meat out of reach of the poor.
* * * * *
I told the Chancellor I thought a great source of danger to the
good relations of Germany and U. S. A. was in Mexico, that if we
had trouble there, had to raise a large army and rouse the
military spirit at home, the President might find it hard to hold
the people. This struck him as a new view, as most Germans think
that Mexican troubles are to their advantage, and I am sure
Villa's attacks are "made in Germany."
I shall not come home; both the Chancellor and von Jagow have
begged me not to go.
* * * * *
I sent a cable about the possible stirring up of our coloured
people by propagandists. I notice that there are great fires in
many cities of the South.
It is reported that Prussian State Railways were given the banks
as additional security for the last loan, but I do not see how
this could be, as the railways are Prussian and the Loan
Imperial.
Several South American diplomats here think that in case of war
between U. S. and Germany public opinion in their countries will
demand the seizure of the German ships and possible war.
* * * * *
_April, 1916._ I am just off to the Reichstag where the
Chancellor is to speak. I have no news here and none from
America, but it seems to me five boats sunk almost at once will
rather strain things at home. Here they do not want war with
America. Perhaps von Tirpitz before leaving gave these submarine
commanders these orders to sink at sight.
I think the Germans will eventually encircle and take Verdun,
mostly now for moral effect.
Von Jagow will shortly give Conger (_Associated Press_) an
interview disclaiming any intention on Germany's part of
attacking America after the war. "A guilty conscience, etc.," and
"Qui s'excuse, s'accuse."
Every night fifty million Germans cry themselves to sleep because
all Mexico has not risen against us.
Part of Germany goes soon on meat ration. The food question is
becoming acute, but they will last through here.
* * * * *
I think that the Germans would now, in spite of previous
statements by a high authority, welcome the intervention of the
President looking toward peace. Colonel House is so relied on
here that he would be doubly welcome as the bird with the olive
branch.
It looks more and more as if the issue of the campaign would be
peace or war! On this issue the Germans at the last moment will
have to side with the President.
The recent sessions of the Reichstag have been lively. Liebknecht
caused a row on several occasions. Once by interrupting the
Chancellor to imply that the Germans were not free, next to deny
that the Germans had _not_ wished the war, and another time by
calling attention to the attempts of the Germans to induce
Mohammedan and Irish prisoners of war to desert to the German
arms, the Irish being attacked through Sir Roger Casement.
Liebknecht finally enraged the Government by calling out that the
loan subscription was a swindle.
The German-American spies and traitors are hard at work at 48
Potsdammer Strasse and also at the Oversea News Service, a
concern paid for by Krupps. Mr. ----, in addition, gains money by
getting permits for goods to go out of Germany, capitalising his
"pull" as it were. Some of the money for their dirty work is
given them by Roselius of Bremen, proprietor of the "Caffee Hag."
----, a traitor, who also writes against the President, also
works with the gang.
* * * * *
This cry in America that German babies have not sufficient milk
is all rot. One of our doctors has reported on the subject. The
cry is only raised to get a hole in the British blockade.
The Germans are going at Verdun carefully, and an imitation of
each French position or trench they wish to take--planned from
airmen's and spies' reports--is constructed behind the German
lines and the German soldiers practise taking it until they are
judged letter perfect and are put to work to capture the
original.
It is said the Germans have developed a submarine periscope so
small as to be almost invisible, which works up and down so that
only at intervals, for a second or so, does it appear above the
water. Also, it is said the wireless vibrations by means of
copper plates at each end are transmitted through the boat, and
every member of the crew learns the wireless code, and no matter
where working can catch the vibrations.
Note about the _Sussex_ and other four ships just in. I think
Germany is now determined to keep peace with America as the plain
people are convinced that otherwise the war will be lengthened--a
contingency abhorrent to all.
* * * * *
_May, 1916._ I delivered the last American note to von Jagow
to-day. He said they probably would not answer, and then engaged
me in gossipy conversation.
These people want peace and will gladly accept the President as
mediator.
The Pope, they think, will want brokerage--a "Makler Lohn"--as
they call it--concessions for the church, such as the return of
the Jesuits, etc.
If they get good and sick of war here, perhaps they may not feel
like revenge after all--but there is an ever-present danger we
must prepare for.
* * * * *
The fact that I was given detailed instructions as to leaving,
etc.--which they undoubtedly learned, with their wonderful spy
system--helped the _Sussex_ settlement.
The Chancellor and I became great friends as a result of my stay
at the Hauptquartier. The League of Truth gang attacked me
lately. The Government published a certificate in the _Official
Gazette_ to the effect that I was their fair-haired boy,
etc.--very nice of them. I really think they recognise that the
propaganda was an awful failure and want to inaugurate the era of
good feeling.
I did not go to the front at the Hauptquartier as reported. I had
enough to do in Charleville, but did witness the splendid relief
work being done by the Americans who are feeding 2,200,000 of the
population of Northern France. Twenty thousand of the inhabitants
of Lille, Roubaix-Tourcoing, are being sent under circumstances
of great barbarity to work in the fields in small villages. I
spoke to the Chancellor and he promised to remedy this.
Germans say they will take Verdun. A military treaty with Sweden
is reported; a large Swedish Military Commission is now here,
receiving much attention.
While at Charleville, in connection with American work, I asked,
at one village, to see the German Army stores so as to convince
myself that the German Army was not using the stores from
America. I saw that one-half the stores came from _Holland_.
* * * * *
I think the psychological moment is approaching when Colonel
House should appear as the President's White Emissary of Peace.
While the food question here is pressing, the harvest will be
good, if present indications continue. Rye is the principal crop
and this is harvested about July 12th. I think, however, Germany
can last, and in very desperation may try a great offensive which
may break the French lines and change the whole position. The
people here, although tired of war, are well disciplined and will
see this thing through without revolution.
We are rather in calm after the last crisis. The Chancellor sent
for me and said he hoped we would do something to England or
propose a general peace, otherwise his position here will become,
he thinks, rather hard. Delbrück, vice-chancellor, very hostile
to America, is out--failure as Minister of Interior to organise
food supply is the real reason.
* * * * *
Yesterday I had a talk with the Chancellor. The occasion was the
Polish Relief question which I shall now take up direct with
Helfferich, who, as I predicted, is the new Minister of the
Interior and Vice-Chancellor. He is a very business-like man and
did much for the favourable settlement of our last crisis.
The Chancellor seemed rather downcast yesterday, without apparent
cause. He says that Germany from now on will have two months of
hardship on the food question, but that after that things will
be all right. The crops, as I have seen on my shooting place, are
magnificent and the rye harvest will probably begin even before
July 15th.
Mrs. Gerard has just returned from a week in Budapest with her
sister. The Hungarians are once more gay and confident. The
Italians, their hereditary foes, are being driven back, and on
the Russian front there seems to be a sort of tacit truce--no
fighting and visiting in trenches, etc.--terms of great
friendliness.
(This was the beginning of the fraternisation which led, a year
later, to the collapse of Russia.)
* * * * *
At the races here last Sunday there was an absolutely record
crowd and more money bet than on any previous day in German
racing history. The cheaper field and stands were so full of
soldiers that the crowd seemed grey, which goes to show that the
last man is not at the front.
State Socialism makes advances over here. A proposition is now
discussed to compel the young men who are earning large wages to
save a part thereof.
On the _Sussex_ question, I got a colleague to ask about the
punishment of the Commander and to say at the Foreign Office,
after he had once been refused any information, that I had heard
that the people at large in America believed the Commander has
received "Pour le Mérite." Von Jagow said that he was sure that
this was not so, but that he did not know the name of the
Commander, and that it was not "usual" to tell what punishment
had been given. So that I suppose the matter will rest, unless I
get orders to ask formally about the punishment.
The German military people and ruling Junker class are furious at
the settlement with America, and abuse America, the President and
me indiscriminately.
Anything the President says about peace is prominently placed in
the newspapers.
* * * * *
Yesterday in a debate in the Reichstag over the censorship,
member Stresemann, National Liberal (the party which now holds
the balance of power), violently abused President Wilson and said
he was not wanted as a peace-maker. All applauded except the
Socialists--so I think the President had better say nothing more
about peace for the present. What he has said has done much good
and has pleased the Government here, if not the Reichstag.
Although von Jagow is a Junker of Junkers, the Junkers are
against him and claim he is too weak. He may be bounced.
The crops are very fine.
Undoubtedly we shall have another crisis when the extremists here
demand a "reckless" U-boat war because we are doing nothing to
England.
Germany will last through on the food question.
I have heard reports that the Turks are tired of German rule and
almost ready to flop.
I am to meet Prince Buelow, ex-Chancellor, to-morrow and may fish
up something interesting.
The Kaiser has gone to the front, probably Russian. Next war loan
will be 12 milliards.
Helfferich lunched here last Sunday. He speaks English fairly
well. Zimmermann is laid up with the gout.
* * * * *
In the Reichstag debate yesterday, Stresemann, applauded by all
except Socialists, said that Germany threw away Wilson as a
peace-maker. However, the Government is pleased with President's
peace talk, as it keeps the people from thinking of food and
U-boat crises.
U-boat question will come up again, when Pan-Germanists and
Conservatives demand a reckless U-boat war because we have done
nothing against England.
Harden's paper has been confiscated again.
* * * * *
_June, 1916._ I am sorry to lose Ruddock, who is sent to Belgium,
but it is a good appointment, as his knowledge of German and
relations here will help matters.
The debates in the Reichstag have been quite interesting
yesterday and the day before. The Chancellor, irritated by the
anonymous attacks on him in pamphlets, etc., made a fine defence.
In the course of the debate allusions were made to President
Wilson and the U-boat question. The U-boat question may break
loose again any day.
I do not think that either Austria or Germany wishes President
Wilson to lay down any peace conditions. There may possibly be a
Congress after the Peace Congress, but meanwhile all parties
here feel that America has nothing to do with peace conditions.
America can bring the parties together, but that is all. The
speech about the rights of small peoples has, I hear, made the
Austrians furious, as Austria is made up of many nationalities
and the Germans say that if the rights of small peoples and
peoples choosing their own sovereignty is to be discussed, the
Irish question, the Indian question and the Boer question, the
Egyptian question and many others involving the Entente Allies
must be discussed. I think that generally there is a big change
in public opinion and the Germans are beginning to realise that
the President is for peace with Germany.
The Germans expect that by September preparations will be
finished and that the Suez Canal will be cannonaded, bombed and
mined so that it will dry up, and then the Indian-Afghan troubles
will begin.
* * * * *
_June, 1916._ The President's peace talks carried over the
dangerous moment after the submarine submission. Von Jagow told
me that because of debates in Reichstag the President must not
think he is not welcome as mediator.
Crops look well.
The break on Austro-Russian front is reported to have been caused
by wholesale desertions of Ruthenian troops to Russians.
The editor of the _National Zeitung_, responsible for the fake
interview with me, has been "fired" from that paper which has
published a notice to that effect.
* * * * *
Grand Admiral von Koester made a speech implying that reckless
submarine war should be taken up and England thus defeated. He is
retired, but is head of the Navy League, a concern backed by the
Government, possessing a million members and much political
influence.
Apropos of hyphenated Americans, a friend tells me that when he
was secretary here some years ago, a certain Congressman tried
for six years to get presented at Court, insisting that he be
presented as a "German-American." The Kaiser turned him down,
saying he knew no such thing as a "German-American," and the
Congressman finally consented to be presented as an American.
* * * * *
The U-boat question will come up again, say in three months,
unless we get in serious trouble in Mexico, when it will come up
sooner.
Edwin Emerson has been sent out of the country, I think to serve
in the Turkish Army in some capacity, perhaps paymaster or some
such job.
The Foreign Office continues to protect these American
mud-slingers--such as the "League of Truth" which is run by a
German named Marten, posing as an American and a dentist
(American citizen) named Mueller--these circulate a pamphlet
entitled, "What Shall We Do With Wilson," etc., and are the gang
who insulted the American flag by putting it wrapped in mourning
on a wreath on the statue of Frederick the Great with a
placard, "Wilson and his Press do not represent America."
[Illustration: COVER OF THE PAMPHLET FEROCIOUSLY ABUSIVE OF
PRESIDENT WILSON. ISSUED BY THE EX-TRAVEL LECTURER, JOHN L.
STODDARD]
What shall we do
with Wilson?
by
John L. Stoddard.
Meran. Tyrol 1916
Printing-office F. Pleticha, Meran, Tyrol.
* * * * *
Letters, codes, etc., for Bernstorff and individuals are sent to
America as follows: the letters are photographed on a reduced
scale so that a letter a foot square appears as an inch and a
half square. These little prints are put in the layers of a shoe
heel of a travelling American or elsewhere, book cover, hat band,
etc., and then rephotographed and enlarged in America. Also
messengers travel steerage and put things in the mattress of a
fellow passenger and go back to the ship after landing in New
York and collect the stuff.
A German friend, just returned from Austria, says the feeling
there against America is very strong on account of the Dumba
incident.
Yesterday I was told by a German that the German army had
aeroplanes which develop 300 H. P., and would soon have some of
1000 H. P.
* * * * *
_July, 1916._ Every one in this Embassy is getting to the
breaking point. Nerves do not last forever, and the strain of
living in a hostile country is great. The Germans, too, are on
edge. They are going to take away our privilege of speaking to
prisoners alone; this because they think I learned of the
shooting of the second Irishman at Limburg from prisoners. As a
matter of fact I did not, but cannot, of course, say how I did
learn.
The Russian prisoners are being slowly starved, the French and
English get packages from home.
There are rumors that a Bavarian regiment which was ordered a
second time to take a position, which the Prussians lost at
Verdun, refused and was ordered to be decimated, and that then
the Crown Prince of Bavaria threatened to march all the Bavarian
troops home unless the order to decimate was rescinded. I do not
believe the rumour, but its circulation and other events such as
the refusal of the Bavarians lately to adopt a common postage
stamp, shows there is a little irritation growing between Prussia
and Bavaria. For years before the war the Bavarian Comic papers
cartooned the Prussians, common and royal, but like every other
movement nothing will result.
* * * * *
There is much underground work for the resumption of reckless
submarine war going on, all part of a campaign to upset the
Chancellor. Von Bülow, Ex-Chancellor, is working hard. He,
however, since his row with the Emperor over the "Telegraph"
interview, which he passed as correct, will never be accepted by
His Majesty. Nevertheless, he is becoming a focal point for
opposition.
The Chancellor and his party are very timid about attacks. For
instance, they will do nothing against Emerson, Mueller and that
crew, which insults indiscriminately our flag, our President, the
Chancellor, Zimmermann and me, because, as Zimmermann frankly
told me, they are afraid of attacks. Mueller on the 4th of July
hung out the American flag in mourning and circulated copies of
the Declaration of Independence charged with a bloody hand and a
black cross. I have filed in vain affidavits with the Foreign
Office, by people who say he has threatened to shoot me at sight.
* * * * *
The Germans seem to fear the Russian attacks more than the
English and French. They claim to have the measure of the
English, and not to fear their offensive.
Dr. John R. Mott has been here. He made a great impression. I had
him at lunch with the Chancellor, Zimmermann, and officials of
the prisoner department and War Ministry.
Mass feeding of the people has begun. They pay a few pfennigs per
meal.
I have heard rumours lately of actual dissatisfaction among
soldiers at front and of many being transferred, but this unrest
also will have no definite result.
Constant rain lately will damage the harvest and rot the potatoes
to some extent. Nevertheless, as I have often said, the Germans
will last. Holland has allowed more food in lately.
* * * * *
The long confinement will make many prisoners insane. Many old
men at Ruhleben, living six in a horse's stall or in dim hay
lofts, simply turn their faces to the wall and refuse even to
complain.
The statement in the American papers that our National Guard
could not mobilise for Mexico because of lack of sleeping cars
caused much ridicule here, where they go to the front in cattle
cars.
* * * * *
_July, 1916._ A committee called the National Committee for an
Honourable Peace has been formed. Prince Wedel is at the head.
Most of the people are friends of the Chancellor. One is an
editor of the _Frankfurter Zeitung_ which is the Chancellor's
organ. On August 1st, fifty speakers, of this Committee will
begin to speak, probably the opposition will come into their
meetings and try to speak or break up the meetings.
The _Lokal Anzeiger_, also a government organ, prints an
editorial to the effect that Germany may take up ruthless
submarine war again. Great numbers of U-boats are being built and
in September operations will be on a big scale, though the
Chancellor will try to keep them to cruiser warfare.
The prisoner question on all sides is growing acute. The Germans
sent me a note to-day threatening stern reprisals if the alleged
bad treatment of their prisoners in Russia does not stop.
We can no longer talk to prisoners alone. Von Jagow told me that
after the visit of Madam Sasenoff, or Samsenoff, to a Russian
prisoners' camp, there was a riot, but the real reason is that
the Germans have much to conceal. The prison food now is a
starvation ration.
* * * * *
The Alliance of the Six, really an organization fostered by big
iron business in Westphalia, is very active for annexation. This
wants to get the French iron mines and coal, and so control the
iron business of the Continent and perhaps Europe.
A man from Syria passed through here recently and gave me most
interesting accounts of the state of affairs there. The Turks are
oppressing the Arabians and the revolt of the Grand Sheriff of
Mecca may have great effects in this war. This man says that the
English are building two railroads from Suez into the desert and
the Germo-Turks are building toward the canal from the North. For
the Canal attack there are, at present, principally Austrian
troops assembled. The Turks are beginning to take Greeks from the
Coast cities into the interior of Asia Minor and are oppressing
the Syrian Arabian cities, such as Beirut, where thousands are
dying of starvation. At the Islahje-Aleppo R. R., 30 Turkish
soldiers a day die from cholera. The Germans, by their precautions,
escape. He passed 147 German auto trucks in the Cilician
mountains bound for Bagdad. Also saw the British prisoners from
Kut el Amara, who are dying of dysentery, being compelled to walk
in the hot sun from Kut. He thinks the English and the Grand
Sheriff will transfer the title of head of the religion from the
Sultan at Constantinople to either the Sultan of Egypt or some
new Sultan to be established as an Arabian Sultan, perhaps at
Bagdad if the Russians and English take it, or at Mecca, and he
considers this movement of Arabians against Turks may assume
great proportions.
* * * * *
There is still talk here of a resumption of reckless submarine
war which question is complicated and involved in the eternal
efforts of the Conservatives to get the Chancellor out.
The recognition of the "merchant submarine" has made a very good
impression here.
The plain people are eager for peace but those interested in
carrying on the war have the upper hand.
The harvest is good, and is now being gathered.
A number of navy and (which is significant) army officers visited
von Tirpitz, lately in his Black Forest Retreat and gave him a
testimonial.
There is prospect that what is called here a "Burg Frieden"
(Peace of the City) will be declared between the Chancellor and
the principal Conservative newspapers.
One of the American correspondents back from Verdun says that a
corps commander said his corps took no prisoners.
I think many of the Hungarians are for peace. I get this from
Andrassy's son-in-law who is also a member of the lower house.
Tisza, however, is still in full control.
Prince Leopold's (he is a brother-in-law of the Kaiser) stags
have destroyed vegetables of the plain people (as in the days of
William Rufus) and people dare write letters, and Liberal papers
dare publish them complaining of these depredations.