GERMANY'S EARLY PLOTS IN MEXICO
_The Diary Concluded_
_August, 1916._ Count Andrassy, leader of the opposition to Tisza
in Hungary, has been here for some time. He lunched with us one
day and I had a talk with him in German. Andrassy is rather old
and tired. Andrassy's father, the Prime Minister, was originally
a great friend of Germany.
It is possible that Andrassy through German influence may be made
Minister of Foreign Affairs instead of Burian. This is to be the
first step in a German coup d'état to take place on the death of
Francis Joseph--the throne successor to be given Austria alone,
and Prince Eitel Fritz, the Kaiser's favourite son, to be King of
Hungary with possibly a Czech kingdom in Bohemia.
Andrassy had an audience with the Kaiser here. Andrassy is
apparently friendly with America and is also for peace.
_Von Tirpitz is out with a statement practically demanding war
with America._ I am surprised that the newspapers are allowed to
publish it. Very likely it will not be permitted to go out but it
ought to be known in America.
Germany probably will come out with a strong note about Poland,
refusing help and saying harvest is sufficient. This is not true
as to food for babies who cannot live on rye and wheat, but need
condensed milk.
The treatment of prisoners is going from bad to worse. The
Chancellor and Foreign Office can do nothing against the military
party.
Hoover, Professor Kellog, and I are all very much discouraged
about Polish and other relief questions. The Germans are getting
more and more disagreeable about these matters, even though they
are for the benefit of Germany. Warwick Greene, of the Rockefeller
Foundation, being a new arrival is more hopeful, but that will
soon wear off.
The Germans are getting a blacklist of their own. One Barthmann,
an American, who sells American shoes in Germany, wanted to get
his pass stamped to go to America, and permission to come back,
and was told that would only be done if the Chamber of Commerce
(Handels-Kammer) consents; you see the connection--no American
goods for Germany.
The Jews here are almost on the edge of being "pogrommed." There
is a great prejudice against them, especially in naval and
military circles, because they have been industrious and have
made money. Officers openly talk of repudiating the War Loan
which they say would only mean a loss for the Jews.
The Germans say they have new and horrible inventions which will
end the war soon.
* * * * *
I supposed that because I had some acquaintance with German
watering places and German-Americans I knew a little about
Germany. I was wrong. No casual traveller ever gets to know the
military caste nor do the members of that caste travel except on
"business."
The members of the military caste live like Spartans and are
consoled by the fact that they rule the country and look down on
the merchant class. They feel that they have created modern
industrial Germany. The military caste (of which the naval and
all government bureaus are branches) has organised the nation for
war with the efficiency of the managers of a great American
corporation. The government is an absolutism. No Jew can become
an officer. Officers of crack regiments do not go to the homes of
persons in any kind of business. A business man is called a
"Kaufmann," as we speak of a house painter. Some tame professors
are paid by the State to give an impression of "Kultur."
* * * * *
This war is now a war for conquest or money. All people tell me
that we must have "pay for so much blood." "If we don't keep
Belgium there will be a revolution. Who is to pay for the War?" A
Socialist who referred yesterday in the Reichstag to the Kaiser's
speech of the beginning of the war which stated this was not a
war to get territory, was well sat upon. Even the Socialists are
all for war against Italy.
* * * * *
None of the German colonies is fit for Europeans. _Germany last
year proposed joint intervention in Mexico to England._ If
successful Germany will try to get a foothold in the Western
Hemisphere. The Monroe Doctrine is like a red rag to a bull to
every German.
* * * * *
Relations with members of the Government here are quite agreeable
but there is not an effective government at present. The
Chancellor will take no decisive action and leaves matters to
department heads who fight with other department heads. The
Emperor saw fit to follow the traditions of 1870 and go to the
field taking the Chancellor and heads of many departments with
him, hence great governmental confusion, but this does not affect
military organisation. He is bored by the Chancellor, a good man,
but of no action or decision. Von Falkenhayn is the Emperor's
favourite. He is the chief of the General Staff. Von Tirpitz and
von Mueller (also naval) have great weight. The Kaiser is thus
surrounded by military influences.
* * * * *
Saw summaries of the news published by the General Staff and
given to the Emperor to read. He gets only German-American news
from America and no bad news from anywhere. On the _Lusitania_
case there is a disposition to think, because we were not warlike
over Mexico, we will stand anything. _The Kaiser will not see me
because of the delivery of arms by Americans to the Allies and
has so stated._
There is no shortage of food supply. I was told yesterday they
did not need our Polish Relief Committee for German Poland as
Germany can take care of this alone. The hate of Americans is
intense. But this hate can be turned off and on by the Government.
The people believe everything they see in the papers. The
monetary situation is not bad. All the money for war supplies has
been spent in Germany, except perhaps for a few horses, etc.,
from Scandinavia.
* * * * *
The Chancellor and von Jagow have been in Vienna. Von Jagow told
me only on current business, but this was a diplomatic statement.
I believe they went to settle the fate of Poland. I hear Prussia
wants an independent Poland and Austria wants to make it part of
the Austrian Empire. In any event I think Prussia will secure the
organising of the army which will soon be raised. A prominent
Pole told me two days ago that the peasants were coddled by
Russia, whose motto in Poland was "divide et impera," and that
they will violently resent being drafted into the Prussian army.
* * * * *
The bitter attacks on the Chancellor continue. At a recent
meeting in Bavaria resolutions were passed that the first
objective of the war was to get rid of the Chancellor and the
second to "clean out the Anglophile Foreign Office," which
prevented Germany from resorting to "reckless" methods for the
swift winning of the war.
As a son-in-law of a high official told me to-day, the break
between the military and navy on one side and the Civil
Government on the other has widened almost into civil war. The
same man told me that the Kaiser has lately become quite
apathetic and lets events take their course.
* * * * *
One of my attachés has broken down completely, cries when spoken
to; living in a fiercely hostile atmosphere is not agreeable and
I wonder how long the rest of us can hold out.
The harvest is very good, but does not provide fat, and as yet,
meat. But the starving out business I have always said was an
"iridescent" dream.
New men, 80,000 in this vicinity alone, are being called to the
colours.
Every one here is getting more on razor edge, prisoners are
treated more roughly and get worse food. Bavaria is getting
restless and dissatisfied, this will not amount to anything
definite but is a sign of the times.
I went to Herringsdorff for a few days of swimming. At a concert
in the evening a man recited a poem he said he had written about
"having bled enough." He was vehemently applauded. Quite a
contrast to the days when the best actors in Germany were not
ashamed to spout the "HYMN OF HATE"!
The military people use the censorship even against papers
friendly to the Chancellor and Germans certainly can hate each
other as thoroughly and scientifically as they do most other
nations. Dr. Alonzo Taylor thinks that in peace times some one
fed this nation too much meat.
The newspapers are preparing the people for the entry of
Roumania.
* * * * *
Professor ----, a school friend of Tisza's and Burian's who was
recently in Austria, saw Burian and says Burian is ready and even
anxious to make an arbitration treaty with America and also send
an Ambassador in Dumba's place to Washington. This is out of my
jurisdiction. He says that to-morrow or next day there will be an
interpellation in the Hungarian Chamber about sending an
Ambassador to America.
The National Liberals probably will unite with the Conservatives
and demand a strong hold on Belgium, if not actual possession of
that country, as one of the objects of the war.
This Union of National Liberals and Conservatives is dangerous
and may mean a resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare.
* * * * *
The entry of Roumania took every one by surprise. Beldiman, the
Roumanian Minister here, was visiting the reigning Prince of
Hohenzollern Sigmaringen, brother of the Roumanian King, and
apparently knew nothing of the danger of a break.
To-day Hindenburg is named Chief of the General Staff, and his
Chief of Staff, Ludendorff, is made Quartermaster General,
Falkenhayn, former Chief of Staff is bounced without even the
excuse of a diplomatic illness. This is all a great concession to
popular opinion. I do not know where Hindenburg stands with
reference to America, but have heard that he is a reasonable man.
Of course, here the Army has as much to say in foreign affairs as
the Foreign Office, if not more. When I was at the Great General
Headquarters, Falkenhayn, although I knew him, did not call on
me, and dodged me. He did not even appear at the Kaiser's table
when I lunched there. From all this I judge he was against
America on the submarine question. I also have heard that when
Helfferich was talking before the Kaiser, in favour of peace with
America, Falkenhayn interrupted him, but was told by the Kaiser
to "stick to his last" or words to that effect.
These people here are now nervous and unstrung and actually
believe that America will now enter the war against them. It is
impossible to conceive of the general breakdown of nerves among
this people.
* * * * *
_I have heard lately of men as old as 47 being taken for the
Army._
* * * * *
Zimmermann has now gone on a vacation, his place being
temporarily filled by von Treutler, Prussian Minister to Bavaria,
who since the commencement of the war has been with the Kaiser. I
judge this means the Kaiser is looking personally into matters
at the Foreign Office. Von Treutler is, I think, against the
resumption of reckless submarine war. He is lunching with me
to-day. He is rather the type of intelligent-man-of-the-world and
sportsman, and has little of the Prussian desire to "imponieren"
by putting his voice two octaves lower and glaring at one like an
enraged bullfrog.
Dr. William Bayard Hale, of Mexican fame, who is in Berlin
representing the Hearst papers, has become very thick with
officials here. Von Jagow and Zimmermann are much impressed by
him.
* * * * *
The Germans may hate the President, but there are in America
hundreds of thousands of Czechs from Bohemia, Poles from Poland,
Slovaks, Ruthenians, Croatians and Slavs from Hungary, Roumanians,
Italians, Greeks, Russians, Scotch, Belgians, and French who HATE
the Germans.
* * * * *
I believe the Germans want an excuse to resume reckless submarine
war and an American correspondent has taken the job of making bad
feeling to justify such a course.
* * * * *
_September, 1916._ As these people get desperate the submarine
question gets deeper and deeper under their skin. I really think
that it is only a question of time.
Of course, from what I learn here Greece is sure to come in and
this is expected here.
As the Consul General at Hamburg has reported, serious riots
have occurred there, two by the poor classes, mostly women, and
one by students. The crowd shouted "Down with the Kaiser," called
for an end of the war, calling for unlimited submarine war
against England.
The hate of Americans grows daily, if indeed it is possible to be
greater.
* * * * *
Ira Nelson Morris, American Minister to Sweden, was here. He and
his wife are charming people. He is very popular in Sweden. Elkus
is also here on his way to Constantinople. If any one can "get
away" with that difficult post he can. I took Elkus to see von
Jagow and had him at lunch with von Treutler, the man in
Zimmermann's place. I talked with Elkus to von Jagow about Syrian
Relief. A Syrian, whose name I cannot give away, says the Turkish
Government reported to our Embassy in Turkey that the harvest in
Syria was the best in years, whereas, in truth this year's
harvest, on account of drought and last year's on account of
locusts, are the worst in 35 years. Missionaries have told me
that Syrians are starving.
* * * * *
A fact for the Russian born--Germany does not recognise the
American citizenship or naturalisation of a person born in
Russia.
* * * * *
Yesterday there was a conference of all party leaders at the
Chancellor's. I understand nothing was said about America or
submarine question. I doubt this. The Press here and certain
other agencies are trying to convince America that all is
peaceful, but Baron Mumm two days ago told Elkus, in this house,
that the ruthless submarine war undoubtedly would be resumed.
* * * * *
In general conversation with von Jagow, recently, he said that
the offensive on the Somme could not continue without the great
supply of shells from America. He also said that recently a
German submarine submerged in the Channel had to allow 41 ships
to pass, and that he was sure that each ship was full of
ammunition and soldiers but probably had some protecting American
angels on board, and, therefore, the submarine did not torpedo
without warning. He seemed quite bitter.
* * * * *
The wife of an American newspaper correspondent was recently
attacked in the street. Of course, the husband will not cable
this to America. Two stenographers from this Embassy were
recently slapped on coming out of a theatre because they were
speaking English.
* * * * *
Reventlow's paper was recently suppressed and Reventlow forbidden
to write without special permission. This is a good sign from the
Chancellor.
Dr. Hale was recently given a special trip to the West front, and
allowed to talk to the Crown Prince, etc.
* * * * *
_December, 1916._ The Germans are simply delighted with the
President's peace note. Only a few cranks or conservative papers
are against it.
I saw Zimmermann the day after my arrival. He was most friendly
and said he hoped he and I would be able, as usual, to settle
everything in a friendly manner.
Yesterday he lunched here and gave me the German reply after
lunch. He told me at the first talk that he, the Chancellor,
Hindenburg and Ludendorff were all working together. Most people
here say that Hindenburg and Ludendorff are at present the real
rulers of Germany. Zimmermann remarked that there was no danger
from "reckless" submarine war.
Zimmermann said he regretted the sending of the Belgians to
Germany but it was hard now to go back on what they had done. I
have some hope that a retreat may be arranged--possibly by
sending the Belgians back gradually and saying nothing about it.
* * * * *
The American Chamber of Commerce are to give a big dinner January
sixth to welcome me back. Zimmermann and von Gwinner, head of
Deutsche Bank, have agreed to speak and many prominent Germans
have accepted.
The Press department of the Foreign Office has been reorganised
by Zimmermann, and Hammann, the former head, fired. The new head
is Major Deutelmoser, formerly of the General Staff, a personal
friend of mine.
* * * * *
The Emperor is at Potsdam and consulted with Zimmermann, General
von Kessel, etc., as to the reply to the President's peace note.
Berlin is much more melancholy than when I left. General von
Kessel came to our American Colony Christmas tree for poor Berlin
children. It was very pathetic. One little kid got up and prayed
for peace and every one wept. I hope to get to see Ludendorff and
Hindenburg soon and see how they feel toward America.
* * * * *
I went to Ruhleben, the British civilian camp, yesterday to tell
the prisoners that all over 45 go home. It was quite a Christmas
gift as 700 there are over that age. (Note: don't think this
agreement of Germany and England ever went into effect!)
* * * * *
_January, 1917._ Germany wants a peace conference in order to
make a separate peace on good terms to them with France and
Russia, then hopes to finish England by submarines, then later
take the scalp of Japan, Russia and France separately. The Allies
ought to remember what Ben Franklin said about hanging together
or separately. I get the above scheme from very good authority.
* * * * *
The weather is most depressing; dark, and rain every day. All
hands seem cross. Zimmermann, I think, finds it much more
difficult to be the responsible first than the criticising
second. It is not as easy as it looked to him.
The Kaiser stated the other day that he did not expect peace now,
that the English would try a great offensive in the spring and
would fail.
_Herbert Hoover writes me that the Germans are violating all
their pledges in Belgium._ He expects a year of great difficulties.
I hear this confirmed on best authority and that even the German
official who is supposed to see that food is not sent from
Belgium to Germany in violation of Germany's pledges sends out
butter to his family; that there is an absolute reign of terror
in Belgium, sudden and arbitrary arrests, etc. I think the
Germans want to see all foreign diplomats out of Bucharest and
Brussels and the charges against Voypicka should be considered in
that light.
* * * * *
The greatest danger from submarine war is that unthinking persons
in the U. S. may start a crusade against the President's policy,
encourage the Germans in the belief that we are divided and lead
them to resume reckless acts in that belief. The continuance of a
strong front is the very best way to keep the peace.
Both Zimmermann and the Chancellor asked me about Bernstorff, and
returning good for evil, I said that he was O. K., on very good
terms with the Government, well liked (_sic_) and that no one
could do better!
A friend just returned from a week's visit in Hungary reports a
great desire for peace. Persons who, a year ago, said that the
President could have nothing to do with peace or negotiations,
now say he is the only possible mediator. This comes from high
government circles there.
The historic crown of St. Stephen was much too large for the
King, but the little crown prince made a great hit with the
populace.
* * * * *
An Armenian woman came through here the other day. Her husband
had been captured or killed and her tale of the treatment of the
Armenians by the Turks was heartrending.
* * * * *
Everything points to a coming crisis in the matter of food, how
serious it will be even the officials themselves do not know, as
there is much concealed food and much smuggling over the various
frontiers.
In some parts of Germany, the country police or gendarmes are
searching the farm houses thrice weekly.
I have secured permission to visit and inspect the enslaved
Belgians, have named as inspectors all members of our staff
speaking French, but as yet have not received passes.
* * * * *
Here is a copy of a letter I have just received from a German:
"The hypocrisy of the German Government is really
disgusting! It is a well-known matter of fact,
that by hints and approbation, nay even by express
orders of the German military authorities the
troops in France and Belgium have been stimulated
to give no quarter at all in the case of British
adversaries, and that in Russia even whole
regiments and brigades have been annihilated by
grapeshot, although the poor wretches delivered
themselves on mercy and raised their hands, to
prove their submission. Both the Prussian and the
Bavarian crown-prince have expressly ordered to
make no prisoners, to spare ammunition and to
despatch the surviving by steel and bayonet. Has
the order been forgotten, issued by the Kaiser in
the beginning of the German China-Expedition, to
deal with the Chinese like the Huns, to destroy
and annihilate every human creature both men and
women and even innocent children!
Quis Aulerit Gracchos de seditione quaerentes?
Unus pro multis.
P. S.
The war would be decided and peace restored as
soon as the U. S. A. Government would intervene in
favour of humanity, liberty and civilisation. Down
with the Prussian Tyranny!"
* * * * *
The Germans will do nothing about Belgium. The deportations were
a military measure, demanded by Ludendorff, who constantly fears
a British landing on the Belgian coast.
* * * * *
A man who called on von Tirpitz recently was told by von Tirpitz
that he, von Tirpitz, was watched like a spy and all his letters
opened. Von Tirpitz said that Hindenburg was the real ruler of
Germany, that anything Bethmann said was censored by Hindenburg
and that Hindenburg was now against reckless submarine war but
that any substantial defeats in the field would make him change
his mind. Von Tirpitz said that the Kaiser was losing his mind
and spent all his time praying, and learning Hebrew.
[Illustration: PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN IN COURTYARD OF EMBASSY, AUGUST,
1916
_Left to right_--Lanier Winslow; Albert B. Ruddock; Percival
Dodge; Grafton Minot; von Gwinner, head of the great Deutsche
Bank; Surgeon Ohnesorg, U. S. N.; Ernest Bicknell of Red Cross;
Ambassador Gerard; Mr. Wilmeth of Treas. Dept.; Assistant
Secretary of War Breckenridge; Roland Harvey; Charles Russell;
Hugo Ballin, head of Hamburg-American Line; Major Ryan and First
Secretary Grew.]
The food situation grows worse. Potato cards must now be
presented in restaurants and hotels. I doubt if potatoes can last
beyond April. There is food in Roumania but much will go to the
troops; Austrians and Turks: the railways are so used by troops,
etc., that it is doubtful if any food from there can reach
Germany for months.
* * * * *
All apartment houses in Berlin are closed at nine, and lights in
halls extinguished. Theatres close at ten and movies also. There
is want of coal due to lack of transportation.
* * * * *
The President's address to the Senate yesterday (Jan. 22, 1917)
is splendid. I don't know yet how it will be taken here. If it is
published it will give the German people something to consider.
* * * * *
Postcards showing Zeppelins in the act of murdering the sleeping
babies of an enemy city are distributed here with pride.
All Germans of my acquaintance have impressed on me lately the
renewed danger of submarine warfare. The American correspondents
are not allowed to send out the hate of America speeches and
articles. Cyril Brown of the _World_ says that last week fifty
per cent of the matter he sent was cut out by censor here.
The new U-boat campaign will go along the armed merchantman lines
and an endeavour will be made to force or get us in some way to
recognise that an armed merchantman is the same as a warship
and, therefore, may be fired on without notice. It is the old
story, but more subtly presented.
* * * * *
Food situation more and more serious, riots lately in two markets
in Berlin.
Have not yet received passes to see the Belgians.
Undoubtedly Ludendorff is the real dictator of Germany to-day.
What he thinks about America may be judged from the circumstances
before Colonel Kuhn's recall.
* * * * *
The nearer I get to the situation the more I consider the
President's peace note an exceedingly wise move. It has made it
very difficult for the terrorists here to start anything which
will bring Germany into conflict with the U. S.
_The Chancellor, Zimmermann, Stumm, have all ridiculed the idea
that Germany will go back on her "Sussex" pledges; but if she
does, then the peace note makes it easier for America to enter
the war on the Allies' side with a clear conscience and the
knowledge on the part of the people at home that the President
did everything possible to keep us out of the mess._