File No. 763.72/2907
The Chargé in Germany (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 7, 4 p. m.]
4436. Department’s 3448. The naval attaché of the Embassy reports that according to reliable information the German Admiralty is preparing for an early resumption of submarine warfare in violation of neutral rights. This preparation is, however, no new departure as the same has been going [on] steadily since the illegal submarine warfare was temporarily abandoned last April, the Admiralty never having lost sight of its possible ultimate resumption. The preparation has merely been hastened recently owing to the political crisis of last week which the Admiralty expected would swing in its favor. Please refer to my confidential telegrams 4412, October 1, 6 p. m., 4417, October 2, 6 p. m., and 4433, October 5, 4 p. m., in which I have reported fully on the political situation. I am informed to-day that the Chancellor, who is supported by the Emperor, Von Hindenburg, and Helfferich, has succeeded in winning over his political opponents in a secret session of the party leaders of the Reichstag to an agreement that the submarine issue shall be dropped for the present. I have not yet been able to confirm this information but hope to report more definitely to-morrow.