File No. 763.72/2548
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2, 9.20 a. m.]
3687. As a result of its deliberation on warfare the Reichstag Budget Committee has passed the following joint resolution of all the parties:
Now that the submarine has proved an effective weapon against the English conduct of warfare which aims at the starvation of Germany, the Reichstag gives expression to its conviction testifying [that it is] imperative to make such use of the submarines, just as of all our military means of power, as will guarantee the attainment of a peace which shall make Germany’s future secure, and in negotiations with foreign countries to preserve the freedom in the use of this weapon required for the assertion of Germany’s position as a maritime power, while respecting the just interests of the neutral countries.
A resolution introduced by the Socialist Ledebour reading:
Relentless submarine warfare, that is to say, the torpedoing of enemy and neutral merchantmen and passenger steamers without warning, cannot be adopted in any circumstances. The termination of the war is to be effected by means of agreement.