File No. 763.72/2657
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 7, 9.15 p. m.]
3853. German note published yesterday noon. Before publication Chancellor discussed note with Budget Committee of Reichstag in long sitting. Public opinion was prepared for conciliatory note by inspired press articles. Comment on note now seems to be pretty well controlled. In general the papers say that they have confidence in the Government and will back up its policy; that Germany has done all it possibly could and that it is now up to the American Government to enforce all the principles of international law. Count Reventlow merely states that his position on the point at issue is well known to his readers; the Kreuz Zeitung simply refers its readers to its earlier articles on the question. Press comment follows:
Berliner Tageblatt: It does not seem called for to comment in detail on the note. Our position has already been clearly stated. We agree with the German Government when it says that war between the two countries would be indefensible and hope that it will be successful in averting one.
[Page 261]Vossische Zeitung: The reply shows Germany’s sincerest desire to avoid a break. The American people must now show their far-famed sense of justice. The German Government did not permit itself to be irritated by the sharp tone of the American note, but couched its reply in firm and dignified language although it had very plain words to say to the President.
Lokal-Anzeiger: If after this compliance with the demands of the American Government and the placing of submarine warfare beyond all cavil, America does not declare herself completely satisfied and use her best efforts to have our enemies conform their methods to international law, it will be plain that the break which we have tried to avoid is part of a fixed unneutral policy of that country.
Tägliche Rundschau: The matter is settled and it is the duty of the German people to abide by the decision of the highest authority. It is a heavy sacrifice we have made and we expect that America will now fulfill her promise to reestablish the freedom of the seas. The attitude of the American people after this reply will be the truest criticism of the note.
Die Post: It is praiseworthy that the German Government has refused to follow the President in his generalizing and theorizing. Berlin has spoken. We have gone as far as we possibly can. Now America must show her colors.
Deutscher Kurier: We must stand behind our Government, and when we realize how difficult it must have been for it to give this answer and no other, we can appreciate the manly language of the note.
Germania: The voice of America was raised to have more shedding of blood. Germany has replied that she would leave nothing undone to prevent any unnecessary extension of this terrible war. The German note teems with pure humanity and will serve as a test of America’s sincerity. We hope that the American people will understand and appreciate its frank language and recognize how much strength and virtue the much-decried German barbarism really contains.
Vorwärts: The German Government has done what all the rules of political sagacity demanded. We consider that the concessions made are a wise political act which will meet with full approval at the hands of the German people and all true neutrals whose opinions we should respect. We cherish the hope that the conflict will now be settled, especially as time enough has been gained to discuss the issue calmly and objectively. We consider of particular importance the passages in the note which show the readiness of the German Government to conclude peace. Perhaps this will give the President an opportunity to state what he thinks would be possible peace terms, then we could judge his qualifications as a mediator.
Georg Bernhard, in Vossische Zeitung: The German Government characterizes the concession made as the extreme limit beyond which it cannot go. America will not be able to doubt the seriousness of this statement. As it must be well informed on public opinion in Germany, the main point is that the President must now demonstrate his impartiality. I cannot exactly rejoice over this note in view of the opinions which I have already expressed on the issue, but I shall welcome it if it releases us at last from the interminable period of suspense and tension. We cannot but wish our statesmen success, for their victory is ours also.
Cologne Gazette: This is a final attempt to preserve good relations with America. The Emperor and his advisers, after weighing all the factors, found no alternative but to impose this sacrifice on us. They could do so without surrendering dignity, in the consciousness of our strength which excludes any suspicion that they were prompted by fear and not the best understood interests of the country. They could do so because the German people have ever been anxious to pay their tribute to humanity. It will not be easy for the German people to befriend itself with the concession made, but its qualities of devotion to duty, national teeling, and discipline will make it easier for it to do so. The responsible authorities have spoken, and we cannot doubt that their motives were the highest. It is our civic duty to sacrifice our individual feelings, or even convictions, and stand firm with the Government.
Frankfurter Zeitung: The note is not a definite renunciation of the principles of maritime warfare evolved by the German Admiralty, for the regulation proposed will hardly be adhered to if England is not forced to give up her illegal blockade. Undoubtedly, the President has gained a great success in obtaining [Page 262] material concessions from Germany. His position would become a tremendously strong one if he should now intervene with energy and insist on the observation of international law by our enemies. If the blockade is a reprisal, we shall see what the President is able to do with England with the aid of the German concessions; if he shows no inclination to remind the Allies of their duty, a new situation will be created in which Germany would have full freedom of action. Thus there has been no surrender of Germany’s dignity or interests, but we have shown our readiness to contribute our part to the permanent regulation of maritime warfare.
Leipzig Neueste Nachrichten: The President’s last word has yet to be spoken. In spite of the widespread feeling among Germans that America has been most unneutral and partial, we offer the President one more opportunity to keep the peace with this country. We have faith in our Government, which has seen fit to make such concessions to America, and we hope that this course will lead to the preservation of peace with a nation to which we have given the best of our sons as citizens.
Hamburg Fremdenblatt: The President has said his final word and Germany has made her utmost concession. The main point is that we must finish up our enemies and that the President must now declare irrevocably whether he wants to hamper us or not. The German people is prepared to face any eventuality with the like calmness.