File No. 763.72/2512
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 19, 11 p. m.]
3645. Following semiofficial press notice appears this morning:
The following resolutions concerning submarine warfare have been introduced in the Reichstag:
Resolution signed by delegates of the National Liberal Party
Whereas England is not only conducting warfare against the armed forces of the German Empire, but has also adopted the most relentless measures to prevent the supply of Germany with food and raw materials, and to reduce the German people by starvation, by brutally violating international law and outraging the neutrals; and
Whereas Germany on its part is in a position by means of unrestricted and relentless submarine warfare so to increase the English want of freight tonnage that the adequate supply of the English people with food and raw materials can be made extraordinarily difficult and perhaps impossible, and that an earlier termination of the war with victory for Germany can by this means be brought about;
Resolved that the Imperial Chancellor of the Empire be requested not to conclude any agreement with other powers calculated to hamper us in the unrestricted use of the submarine weapon, but to use his efforts in order that the use of the submarines in the war zone even against commerce, apart from liners serving solely for the transportation of persons, shall be the use which results from the technical peculiarity of this weapon.
Resolution of the Conservative Party
Resolved that the following declaration be submitted to the Chancellor:
In view of England’s attempt to overcome our people by cutting off supplies and by starvation and the consequent extension of the warfare beyond the armed forces to the whole population, the most rigorous application of all our military arms against England is called for in order that we may likewise carry warfare against its food supplies and people. The decision of the Imperial Government concerning the conduct of submarine warfare published a short time ago is not to be taken as a suitable measure to this end unless it is carried into effect in a manner corresponding to the peculiar need of the weapon.
These resolutions are so worded that they might [avoid] the injurious impression of an attempt to influence decisions concerning the conduct of the war. In order that war may be carried to a successful conclusion we require as hitherto complete and confident unity, and it is the unanimous will of the whole people that this unity be preserved.
[Page 209]Resolution of the Clerical Party
Resolved that the following declaration be submitted to the Chancellor:
Now that the submarine has proved an effective weapon against England’s conduct of warfare, the Reichstag gives expression to the expectation that since the question of the use of submarines is not regulated in international law, full freedom in the use of this weapon will be retained in negotiations with foreign countries.