763.72/4669½
The Chief of the British Special Mission ( Balfour ) to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I think it may interest you personally to know that I received yesterday a telegram from home saying that the recent submarine returns were rather less heavy and that the reports of destruction of submarines were rather more numerous. Of course these reports of destruction are highly problematical. The telegram emphasizes that there is nothing to justify the belief that the situation is less serious.
German resistance and counter-attacks are fiercely proceeding on the Western front, but nevertheless the British offensive is being carried on satisfactorily and methodically.
A conference held at Paris on May 4 and 5 showed that there was complete agreement between the military experts of the two countries. I understand that General Petain has practically taken the place of General Nivelle. The Conference resulted in a definite understanding that the war should be prosecuted with full strength along the whole line. From the other theatres of war there were practically no reports.
The attitude of Spain is still unsatisfactory, and Señor Maura’s speech, which we mentioned in our conversation on Sunday, has given the Germans a strong weapon which they are using to the utmost of their power.
Miliukoff18 professes that he has prevailed against the Workmen and Soldiers’ Committee, but the situation is still critical.
The Foreign Office report that the new Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs will only accept office on the condition that Brazil should associate herself with the United States against Germany.
The position of the Ministry in France is said to be weaker. The French Socialist minority have decided to send a representative to the Socialist Conference in Stockholm. If the French Government agree to allow this we shall probably have great pressure exercised on us from our Socialist group to allow them also to send delegates. As I understand there is also a question as regards delegates from the United States I have telegraphed to the Foreign Office proposing that the question should be discussed with Mr. Page and the French Ambassador in London.
Believe me [etc.]
- Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs.↩