File No. 763.72/2511
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 19, 9 p. m.]
3640. Chancellor sent for me yesterday and so had talk of over an hour with him. Could not see that he had anything in particular in view. He asked me how I thought America would take resignation of Tirpitz. I said I thought as guarantee of good relations. He said that Holtzendorff had given very strict orders to submarine commanders. He spoke of sending of special ambassador to America to promote better understanding and asked how the idea was received. He spoke of peace and said he had offered peace in Reichstag but could not give any proposed terms publicly. He said that President Wilson could have played great rôle as mediator, but that there was a prejudice here against him and America, caused by fact notes to Germany were too rough, and exportation of arms, and that nothing had been done against England. I said I was sure President was ready to mediate any time he thought his services would be welcomed.
On peace terms he said that Germany must have all colonies back and an indemnity to give up northern France. About Belgium he seemed vague, but I think would consent to give most of it up, leaving garrisons for a while. He said that it was impossible to have a man like Tirpitz in the Government who appealed from the decisions of the Government to mob. He said that German losses at Verdun were 40,000, French losses 100,000 to date, but what was use of this killing. He said that French killed were 900,000, German very much less in war to date. He said that he hoped America would do something against England blockade and make better feeling here. I think Chancellor is for good relations with America and a reasonable submarine war, but he will have a great political trouble here. Am sending in another cable the resolutions regarding submarine war which will come up in Reichstag. I told him that probably public opinion in America did not take much interest in blockade question in comparison with Lusitania. He said that sinking of Lusitania was a great mistake.
[Page 208]Suggest you cable me about suggestion regarding special ambassador who would see people, etc., as Colonel House did, and that you cable me that President is ready to do anything to help peace and that he will be glad to forward confidentially to Allies any peace suggestions and to mediate as soon as he thinks his efforts will be welcome. Chancellor also said he hoped that I would not leave Germany, so I shall not avail myself of your kind offer of leave.