File No. 763.72/7063
The Chargé in the Netherlands ( Langhorne) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29, 4 p.m.]
1413. Wolff1 reports résumé of Chancellor’s speech before Reichstag committee of which following is summary.
Chancellor, after mentioning satisfactory state of German relations to neutrals who could not be disturbed by the efforts of the enemy press, stated that Germany regretted the sufferings caused the neutrals by the economic war of the Entente and is always ready to share in providing for neutrals. Economic and financial difficulties of France are increasing and need accompanied by political manifestations was being felt more keenly in Italy, in England. Only false hope of dissension in Germany permits British statesmen even to-day to cling to or to announce war aims which are incompatible with the political and economic necessities of life of Germany. In America the Government sought with all means, even with unheard-of terrorism, to awaken the war spirit which is lacking in the farthest circles and the vaunted military preparation of the United States contemplated calmly and confidently. In Russia a grave economic crisis reigns. Chancellor mentioned that Pope’s note was favorably received in Germany but evidently unfavorably in majority of enemy countries, and stated that it is difficult [to understand] how any one with a knowledge of international usage could believe that Germany would be in a position to declare in a statement made by her alone the solution of such weighty questions which are inseparable from the complexities to be discussed at the peace conference. Any open declaration of this kind could only have a [Page 216] disturbing effect and would injure German interests; it would not bring peace nearer but would have a tendency to prolong war. Germany must refuse at present to specify its war aims. In conclusion Chancellor referred to President’s reply to Pope’s note and stated that Wilson’s attempt to sow discord between German people and its Government was hopeless, that it brought about opposite result and consolidated Germany in the determination to defy every foreign interference.
- Wolff’s Telegraph Bureau.↩