File No. 862.00/116
The Chargé in the Netherlands ( Langhorne) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2.45 p.m.]
1093. Continuing my 1092. Following is summary remainder Wolff telegram just received:
Present and coming generations shall look back with pride upon the time of war trial, a time of unheard-of deeds and sacrifices. A nation of under seventy millions that side by side with faithful allies, with the sword in the hand, has maintained itself before the frontiers of its country against manifold superiority has proven itself unconquerable. The aims resulting from this are primarily territory of Fatherland must remain in integrity. We cannot treat with adversary who demands Imperial territory. If we make peace we must primarily see to it that frontiers of German Empire are made safe for all time. We must guarantee vital condition of German Empire on continent and overseas by means of understanding [Page 137] and compromise. Peace must form foundation for permanent reconciliation of nations. It must prevent further animosity of nations through economic barriers and make sure that martial alliance of adversaries does not develop into economical alliance against us. These aims appear attainable by your resolution as I interpret it. We cannot again offer peace. Our honestly proffered hand was rejected, but Government is united with whole people, Army and its leaders who declare agreement with this declaration that if enemies disavow designs of conquest and aims of overthrow and wish to enter negotiations we shall with sincere readiness for peace hear what they have to say. Until then we must calmly and patiently endure.
Present times are most severe yet, respecting food. July was worst month. Drought halted growth. There was bitter need in many quarters but I can express glad confidence that relief will come shortly and people can then get more liberal supply. Nothing certain yet about harvest but grain crops will be better than thought by some. Grain stands not high but corn excellently developed. As 1915 we shall have medium crops. Rain came soon enough to save potatoes in many parts of Empire. We expect good potato crop and if we use carefully additional supplies Roumania and other occupied territory, shortage fodder which we [are] bound to face otherwise will be overcome. These years of war proved that even with crops like 1916 Germany can never be starved out. Sufficient oats if rations cut down. Difference distribution between city and country population have been disagreeably felt. Cities must better appreciate difficulties of agriculture and country population must realize how great need of large cities was and is. There must be rapprochement, each class must do all it can for the other. Sending hundreds of thousands city children into country may form the bridge. These differences must be removed at all costs. Regarding internal policy you cannot expect me make exhaustive statement now. Of course I stand on ground improved Prussian suffrage. I deem it useful and necessary to have closer contact between large parties and Government. I am ready to do all I can to make this cooperation more active and effective as far as possible without affecting federative character and constitutional structure Empire. I think it desirable relations confidence between Parliaments and Governments be made closer by having men appointed to leading positions who, beside personal qualifications, enjoy full confidence of large parties in Parliament. But all this on condition other side acknowledge constitutional rights of Government to conduct policy cannot be abridged. I am unwilling to permit leadership taken from my hands. Ship is sailing turbulent seas on dangerous course but bright goal is before us. What we fervently desire is new and splendid Germany, not Germany to terrorize world by force of arms as enemies believe. No, a morally purified, reverent, faithful, peaceful, mighty Germany, that we all love. For this Germany [we] shall fight and suffer. For this Germany our brothers yonder are bleeding and dying.