File No. 763.72/3170
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 1, 7.55 p.m.]
4961. Giving more details of my conversation with Zimmermann last night. He said that he and I must work hard now to keep peace between Germany and America. I said yes, but it was rather late and apparently a sudden decision. He said yes, that it had been much discussed in the last two weeks and that that was the reason for his constant trips to Great Headquarters, but that now even the Chancellor had come round; that the military and naval people had forced this and said that America could do nothing; that the Foreign Office had warned them and done what it could and was on record against this step. But he said it was their last chance as Germany could not hold out a year on the food question, but that what filially [Page 104] decided them was the nasty answer to Wilson of the Allies showing that it is impossible to make peace. That he realized that it was a very serious step and would probably bring the whole world into the war, but that Germany had this weapon and must use it no matter what the consequences were. (End conversation.)
There is no doubt but that Germany believes that Americans are a fat, rich race without sense of honor and ready to stand for anything in order to keep out of war and Americans in Germany … have encouraged them in this belief. The Germans think and newspapers have published that the President’s peace moves are inspired by fear only. Please do not give out my conversation with Zimmermann which was confidential. I think the reasons for the hasty decision: (1) the desire to torpedo ships carrying grain from Argentina, (2) food situation here, (3) threatened great Allied offensive, (4) public demanding use of submarine weapon arid contempt and hate for America. I expect note to-night.