File No. 763.72/2941
The Chargé in Germany ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 14, 8.15 a. m.]
4471. In yesterday’s open sitting Reichstag lengthened present session to January 1917. Verbal report of budget committee stated topics discussed which included Roumania, Greece, and particularly [Page 59] submarine question, in which it was stated unity had not been reached and recommendation adopted that discussion in open Reichstag should not take place, by vote of 24 to 4 of which, I learn, 3 were Conservative and 1 Socialist Labor. Speaker of Catholics confirmed words of Chancellor that England was bitterest enemy and left it to Chancellor to furnish further information in submarine question whenever he thought best.
Socialist representative spoke against annexations and said coming peace must be based on principle that what was Belgian and French must remain so, and what was German must remain German. Military government and censorship had fully broken down and were unfairly used. Fear of new bearings (neu Orientierung) in politics was real reason for attacks against the Chancellor, time for middle course was past, and a government was wanted which would organize all defensive forces and work continually for peace, the people must be confirmed in its trust, that it is fighting for its own and for nothing else; such a government would assure Germany an early and honorable peace; therefore a responsible ministry for the Empire and security of principle that Chancellor must be in agreement with Reichstag was wanted. By such a people’s government foreign countries would recognize that German people ready to conclude honorable peace, but also to defend former position with last drop of blood.
National Liberal speaker referred to Skagerrak battle as sign of spirit of Tirpitz; submarines had now crossed the ocean but would be bound by instructions; Germany’s declarations of readiness for peace taken only as sign of weakness; peace only obtainable from a beaten enemy; destruction of Germany is England’s war goal and words of Chancellor that all methods for really shortening the war [must be retained?] is also opinion of National Liberals; question of annexations not gone into but speaker referred to words of Chancellor of May 1915, regarding safeguards and guarantees; his party against attacks on Chancellor but wishes to call attention attacks on Tirpitz; censorship should be raised.
Speaker of People’s Progressive Party said commercial unity of Central powers would not be [to] detriment of outside world; desire for peace in all peoples now same as in former wars; question of internal reforms could be left until after war, since they would then be absolutely certain and idea unthinkable that people would return from trenches prepared to go back to former conditions.
Conservative speaker said that Conservative Party had been convinced by developments that their belief was correct that introduction of unlimited submarine warfare absolutely necessary but in public interest he would refrain from giving reasons, also said Germany must hold all land won so long as might be necessary; he said people more and more certain that England the chief enemy and then defended Tirpitz against attacks; expressed fears that new Liberal movement was blow at Monarchy.
Socialist Labor speaker declared against reckless submarine warfare, and said rules of international law held for submarines, and that remains of international law must be preserved, and that examination of all available material had shown reckless submarine warfare [Page 60] would lengthen rather than shorten war. A second socialistic speaker said question of use of methods in war a practical one and that reckless use of submarine would lengthen war; coming peace must maintain Germany’s political position and assure commercial development; “new political bearings” demand at least measure of constitutionality existing in Scandinavian countries as against absolute or half-absolute monarchy desired by Conservatives; men from trenches must be treated differently than before the war.
Debate on foreign affairs was ended, and discussion of motion to have budget commission consider foreign affairs when Reichstag not in session to be taken up to-day.