763.72/2473½
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: 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,16 both the Chancellor and von Jagow say they are convinced that America has a secret understanding with England and that nothing can be arranged.
[Page 679]It is claimed by the Foreign Office here that you said to von Zwiedenek that you approved of Germany’s recent memorandum re. disarming merchant ships.17
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. It is reported that submarines will hunt in pairs, one standing ready to torpedo while the other warns. It is also reported that 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 will continue after the war—probably.
Yours ever