“Direct evidence that Count Bernstorff was the master mind behind the
plot on this side of the Atlantic came to light in five dispatches that
were made public by Secretary Lansing on October 5. These messages were
exchanged in the Spring of 1916:
“‘_The Department of State communicates to the press the following
telegrams bearing upon the case of Bolo Pasha, exchanged between Count
von Bernstorff and Herr von Jagow, German Minister of Foreign Affairs._
* * * * *
“‘Number 679, Feb. 26. I have received direct information from an
entirely trustworthy source concerning a political action in one
of the enemy countries which would bring peace. One of the leading
political personalities of the country in question is seeking a loan
of one million seven hundred thousand dollars in New York, for which
security will be given. I was forbidden to give his name in writing.
The affair seems to me to be of the greatest possible importance.
Can the money be provided at once in New York? That the intermediary
will keep the matter secret is entirely certain. Request answer by
telegram. A verbal report will follow as soon as a trustworthy person
can be found to bring it to Germany.
“‘BERNSTORFF.’
* * * * *
“‘Number 150, Feb. 29. Answer to telegram Number 679. Agree to
the loan, but only if peace action seems to you a really serious
project, as the provision of money in New York is for us at present
extraordinarily difficult. If the enemy country is Russia have nothing
to do with the business, as the sum of money is too small to have any
serious effect in that country. So, too, in the case of Italy, where
it would not be worth while to spend so much.
“‘JAGOW.’
* * * * *
“‘Number 685, March 5. Please instruct Deutsche Bank to hold nine
million marks at disposal of Hugo Schmidt. The affair is very
promising. Further particulars follow.
“‘BERNSTORFF.’
[Illustration:
_Drawn by Joseph Cummings Chase._