File No. 763.72/2687
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 12, 5.30 p. m.]
3880. Chancellor sent for me this afternoon and I had talk with him for about three quarters of an hour. He says that the general situation on account of his difficulties at home is very dangerous still. He begged me to say that he did not intend to make the least trace of a threat, but hoped that I could make the situation clear to you. He fears that if in four or six weeks nothing is done by us to enforce international law against England, that the press here, a majority of the Reichstag, and public opinion generally, will clamor for a resumption of the former style of submarine warfare and that his position unless he consents will become untenable. There is in my opinion no doubt whatever but that he is right. The National Liberals who are quiet for the moment and the Centrum or Catholics will no doubt joint the Conservatives who are always clamoring for relentless submarine war even if it makes war with us certain. The only other alternative in my opinion is for the President to demand a general peace. The Chancellor asked me if it was true that the Pope had made same proposal to the President looking toward peace as reported in the papers. I was obliged to answer that I had no information on the subject. He also once more complained of the fact that he could not communicate with Bernstorff, saying he had had no word from him for five days and did not know the sentiment in the White House about the situation, etc. I hope you will let me know something of this.