File No. 763.72/2633
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27, 8.10 a. m.]
3811. Chancellor sent for me to-day and was with him from 5.30 to 6.05 this afternoon. He said that he personally was for peace with the United States; that he regarded war between the two countries as the greatest of calamities; that the decision lay with the Emperor who had not yet come to a decision, but he hoped it would be for peace; that he regretted that the American note had come in the form that it had and had been widely published, instead of the demands in it being made quietly and verbally with a chance for discussion; that this open demand of the United States made it more difficult to deal with public opinion which would require something of a strong nature in return, especially as there were many people in Germany who were bitter on this question. When I told him that I had nothing more from Washington than the note itself and the [Page 244] part of the President’s speech cabled me, he said that it was indeed difficult to settle the matter; that either more details and information should be given to me to enable me to confer with them here or else he should be given the fullest opportunity to consult with Bernstorff by secret cable messages. He said that a mere exchange of formal notes, especially when the note from America was not detailed as to exactly what methods, etc., are to be given up, etc., the question of armed ships, etc.; would lead probably to a break as no adversaries in a controversy could settle questions by mere formal exchange of letters, but an opportunity to talk over matters and exchange views was always required. He said that history would judge if two great and friendly nations were driven into war because either I had not been more fully instructed, or he given the fullest opportunity to communicate with his Ambassador in Washington. He said that he hoped that I would receive fuller instructions. He said that the Marine Department on the Flemish coast had been kept busy by an English naval attack and had not yet answered the American proofs in the Sussex case sent to them. He said that in the Tubantia case the Holland corvette captain here was convinced that the Germans had not sunk this ship and that within a few days there would be a great surprise about the piece of metal found on the Tubantia or in one of its boats.
The Chancellor leaves to-night for Great Headquarters to confer with the Emperor. From another source I have heard that I am to be asked to go to Great Headquarters, and respectfully suggest that any suggestions or instructions as to details of what will be acceptable to the United States should be immediately sent to me. The Chancellor said that he had twice clearly expressed in the Reichstag a desire for peace; that he could not of course state the terms before anyone was ready to confer, but that the terms would be liberal; that he hoped that peace would be made soon, as it would be a great disappointment at this time if instead of peace America and Germany should go to war. Personally I believe Germany will have to admit torpedoing of Tubantia. Have heard fair authority Turkey and Bulgaria pressing Germany not to break with us.