File No. 763.72/3242
The Ambassador in Austria-Hungary ( Penfield) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 7, 10 a.m.]
1688. In connection with my 1683, February 5, 12 noon, transmitting Count Czernin’s views to you, beg to submit following facts as illustrating Monarchy’s desperate situation and consequent desire for peace;
Long period of freezing weather with interruption of traffic is accentuating scarcity of food. Economic life of Austria-Hungary seems paralyzed. Intelligent persons assure me Monarchy has food for but two or three months. Nearly every street in Vienna has bread line and misery and destitution visible everywhere. People all classes praying for peace.