763.72/2761½

The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State

My Dear Mr. Secretary: Enclosed is copy of debate in Reichstag yesterday,28 in which 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 amused over food and U boat crisis.

U boat crisis will come up again, when Pan-Germanists and Conservatives demand a reckless U boat war because we have done nothing against England.

Von Jagow much attacked in his own (Junker) crowd for general weakness and may have to go unless Kaiser thinks Parliament is become too interfering.

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On Polish Relief. Germany feels that England should not complicate case by asking Germany for Guarantees about feeding territory not under German control—viz that part of Poland under Austrian occupation, Servia, Montenegro, and Albania. Also the army of occupation, Germans say of about 150,000, must get their food in Poland. Especially as the army planted most of the crop, as in Northern France where I myself saw soldiers tilling the fields with army horses.

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Hardins’ paper has been confiscated again.

James W. Gerard
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