File No. 763.72119/628a
The Secretary of State to the Diplomatic Representatives in European Countries
Circular 1. Give publicity. Repeat consuls.
Georg Bernhard, director Vossische Zeitung, in article published a few days ago says that it is the desire of this country to see Russia emerge weakened from the war. He adds that he discussed peace aims in detail with Mr. Gerard, former Ambassador at Berlin, who told him repeatedly that “the American President had the greatest interest in the restoration of Belgium but that German annexations in the east would meet with no opposition in the United States.” After reading the article Mr. Gerard said for publication: “I never said such a thing in my life to Georg Bernhard or to any one else. It is an absurd thing. Bernhard says that he discussed peace aims in detail. He and the other Germans never would state their peace aims. His whole statement is absolutely false. Deny it as strongly as you can.”