File No. 763.72/1453
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 15, 11.30 a. m.]
1595. That Government at least approves hate campaign against us shown by official communiqué of day’s operations which states: “On our west front artillery ammunition was found which undoubtedly came from American factories.” Hear on all sides of possibility of war with America. Belief here that great quantities of munitions are sent from America, thus prolonging the war. German officials confident Germans in America organized by consuls will rise and destroy bridges, arsenals and factories. I assure you the situation is very tense. Newspapers say American Government is partial to England that we permit English to use our flag and have done nothing although Russians sunk an American ship, the Washington, in Black Sea, and that we did not protest against English closing the North Sea.