File No. 763.72/7594
The Minister in the Netherlands ( Garrett ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6, 9.20 a.m.]
1592. German press summary: Chancellor Hertling now opposed only by Conservatives, the Socialists having abandoned earlier opposition for attitude of reserve.
[Page 290]Kreuzzeitung voices Conservative objections to having Bavarian as Prussian Premier and further sharply criticizes Hertling’s attitude in making acceptance of chancellorship contingent on result of his conferences with party leaders. This cannot be considered precedent since all circumstances surrounding Hertling’s appointment are exceptional.
Tägliche Rundschau writes that fact of Kühlmann’s instrumentality in arranging Hertling’s appointment shows be expected of new war policy. Von Kühlmann has the Chancellor he wants so that Conservatives cannot suppress apprehensions for future.
Börsen-Zeitung writes that Von Kühlmann was instrumental in solving crisis but acted at request of Michaelis and with Hertling’s approval.
Germania writes Hertling has been left free hand in choice collaborators, Reichstag will meet middle November when Hertling will set forth his policy.
Tageblatt writes Hertling never was candidate of Reichstag Majority which had strong objections to him but subordinated them to the imperative interests of the nation. Tageblatt is pleased at evidences of break with old system and approach towards parliamentarization.
Vorwärts that crisis is turning point in history of German politics. Although it cannot be said with absolute certainty that Germany has parliamentary system it is demonstrable that the greater part of the way from autocracy to parliamentarization has now been traversed by Germany. Hertling is parliamentarian by career, he was appointed on basis of negotiating with leaders of Majority parties and will choose most important associates from ranks of those parties. His is parliamentary system in substance at least and important precedent has been established which must be respected in future. Socialists will not be represented in Government but party will support Government as long as it loyally carries out program of Majority parties. Evolution of Germany has passed stage where any return to autocracy is possible.
B. Z. am Mittag writes that Hertling’s appointment is turning point in German politics and that evolution has taken place in few days which took years of strife and revolution in other countries. This is due to fact that Crown wasn’t blind to signs of the times. Now that Germany has Chancellor who has had long parliamentary career Vice Chancellor from body of the Reichstag and Prussian Vice Premier from body of Prussian Diet no one can say any longer that Germany isn’t free but ruled by despots.
National Zeitung writes that parliamentarian will be appointed chief of Imperial Chancellery.
[Page 291]Vorwärts reports Prussian suffrage reform will be embodied in three distinct bills, one for reform of elections to Lower House, one for reorganization of Upper House and one for the extension of budget rights of Upper House. Twelve new seats in Lower House are provided.
Tageblatt prints open letter sent by member Prussian Diet to Von Heydebrand appealing to him to save old Prussia by cooperating with Center and National Liberals to have Prussian suffrage act provide for vocational representation in Parliament which would give each calling in life its proper representation.
Vorwärts reports Vegerwald president of Christian Labor Congress made member of Prussian Upper House being first labor representative to enter that body.
Tageblatt reports Maximilian Harden forbidden to deliver any lectures, political or literary, anywhere in Germany until further notice. Reichstag [member] Gothein forbidden to hold public meeting in city where Fatherland Party meeting allowed.
Deutsche Zeitung prints article violently attacking Erzberger, claiming he said in his speeches submarine war might possibly be successful in 1919 or 1920, that Germany would pay Belgium indemnity and that submarine war would be stopped during peace negotiations, also that he intimated to Crown Prince during July crisis that he might never succeed to throne unless he agreed to internal changes.
Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, Kölnische Zeitung and Die Post publish similar articles on American military aid in which it is asserted that America cannot throw any decisive weight into the scales in 1918, that she is unable and unwilling to do very much in that year but is merely concerned in organizing an efficient army and fleet and building merchant marine.
Chemnitz Volksstimme writes that latest reports from America, especially results of Liberty Loan and presence of American troops in trenches on western front, indicate that America is much more serious with her war preparations and is not giving much thought to peace just now.
Vossische Zeitung reports indirectly from London sending of few American troops into trenches constitutes about all America will do at present. War Department replied to appeals from Entente that war of attribution [sic] would have to be continued until spring of 1919 in order to give America time to get ready. Americans are forced to admit inability to take any considerable part in aerial warfare before 1918.
B. Z. am Mittag quotes letter from Lord Cecil to Danish political economist Birck published in Danish press wherein attempt is made to place onus for severe blockade policy of Allies on America.
[Page 292]Kölnische Volkszeitung prints article on Holland and America, insinuating trying to pick quarrel with Holland as pretext for occupying Dutch Indies.
Vorwärts of 29th wrote beyond doubt military developments will cause Italian war party to preach continuance of war at all costs. Thus it duty of our statesmen to make it clear to Italians that even this latest victory doesn’t alter Germany’s peace policy set forth in Reichstag peace resolution, reply to Pope and Count Czernin’s speech. Unnecessary to declare expressly that offensive against Italy doesn’t aim at conquest. Our sole object is to come nearer to peace. Austrian Premier also declared subsequent to offensive that Austria’s peace policy remained unaffected thereby.
Germania wrote Entente evidently fears Germany’s diplomatic offensive. After our splendid military accomplishments in Italy and elsewhere nobody can talk of our weakness any longer. All greater is the moral strength of our policy. Barthou’s speech teaches us we must continue on course we have adopted and pursued with all success and could possibly expected [sic] in view of hopeless stubbornness of enemy governments. In saying that we must continue this policy we don’t mean Germany would make peace offer every day, but we mustn’t omit anything calculated to make it clear to peoples of enemy countries that we are not the ones who want continuance of war and bear responsibility therefor. If truth spreads far enough so that it cannot longer be hidden by eloquent enemy statesmen then we shall have made good progress. Unnecessary to dispute fact that military successes such as achieved by us in abundance during past months are best means of peace but a wisely guided policy which embraces the whole world situation in its broad gaze is the best and decisive supplement to military success and it is that that we want.
Leipziger Neueste Nachrichten writes that Isonzo victory must put an end to peace appeals. Czernin’s offer no longer holds good and only peace possible is one based on hard facts of military situation. Germany’s policy must keep pace with military successes.
Weser Zeitung writes that victory should muzzle all Austrian peace talk and make plainer to Austrians community of our interests, especially in connection with forceful Mediterranean policy.
Hannoverscher Kurier prints with approval article on submarine war by Nautilus in Nieuwv Rotterdamsche Courant stating submarine war bound to be decisive for Centrals before end of 1918 unless radical remedy found.
Kölnische Volkszeitung writes that developments in Far East are strong factor for peace as Anglo-Saxons are already viewing with apprehension Japanese activity in China and know that prolongation of European crisis will permit Japan to establish herself so [Page 293] strongly that Anglo-Saxons can never regain their leading position. Japan has furnished splendid example of what firm policy can force England to do.
Vorwärts writes that coal distribution in Berlin is wholly inadequate and that if people are not to freeze more coal must be supplied very soon.
Kreuzzeitung reports Hevenstein said in meeting Reichsbank board of directors that savings bank credit associations and insurance companies subscribed nearly as much for seventh as for sixth war loan so that whole people contributes. Eighty per cent of subscriptions was actually paid in October 27.