File No. 763.72/1573
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March, 12, 1.35 p. m.]
1818. To-day’s official account of fighting in France issued by General Staff and published in all newspapers states that French used an immense quantity of heavy artillery ammunition of their own and American manufacture. This can only have been published with the express desire of the Government to stir up hatred against America and I therefore expect that the hate campaign will commence again. Three weeks ago, although it is hard for you in America to realize it, Germany was on the edge of war with the United States and the Government here seems bent upon again stirring up trouble. A friend of mine, editor of a German newspaper, tried to print Congressman Bartholdt’s speech saying German-Americans were for America against Germany, etc., but Foreign Office censor refused to pass it.