File No. 763.72/1794
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 23, 3.55 p. m.]
2277. Prominent German-American acquaintance of mine, head of large German concern, was called to Foreign Office and cross-examined for hour and half about possibility of German-American rising in arms against our Government. Zimmermann told me yesterday that Dumba, Austro-Hungarian Minister, had cabled that you had told him Lusitania note was not meant in earnest and was only sent as sop to public opinion. German defense union met May 20 in Prussian House of Deputies and adopted resolutions calling on the Chancellor to prevent by force export of arms from America. Newspapers this morning print a note of Emperor dated May 19 to widow of Lieutenant Weddigen of submarine fame authorizing her to keep the orders given her husband and saying that the whole Fatherland mourns with her for her husband who was a shining; example. (Italian Ambassador?) still here.