File No. 763.72/2510
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 18, 1.20 p. m.]
3637. Cologne Gazette terms the change in the Navy Department, with its attendant circumstances and consequences, the first grave crisis the war has brought upon Germany and regrets that it is not possible to discuss publicly the reasons for Von Tirpitz’ resignation. The matter will, however, come up in the Reichstag. At any rate it is certain that there will be no abatement of submarine warfare.
Inspired article in Lokal-Anzeiger states that present military situation is exceedingly favorable to Germany; that since her enemies [Page 207] have refused even to talk of peace, Germany will now concentrate all her efforts on early termination of the war and that her terms will become more and more severe; that every weapon and every means of warfare will be used to the fullest extent when the proper time comes, relentlessly, and without heed to any considerations impairing the attainment of the one supreme object of victory.
Admiral von Capelle was born 1855, entered Navy in 1872, was navigation officer on the Mosquito in the West Indies in 1885 and 1886; after 1891 he was detailed mostly to the Navy Department in important positions and was considered Tirpitz’ right-hand man.