File No. 763.72/8039
The Chargé in Switzerland ( Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 9, 2.35 p.m.]
2189. German political. Prussian electoral reform law does not appear to gain in popularity as discussion advances. Liberal circles point out that law providing for one year’s residence before acquiring voting rights operates strongly in favor of an agrarian party as masses in agrarian districts are much more subservient to Junker influences than the floating populations of big cities and are also much more permanent in their residence. Soldiers returning from front in agrarian districts will probably remain settled whereas others will move from place to place for considerable period in the readjustment of economic life. Prospects for passage of the bill are somewhat doubtful and it appears at present that there is a majority in the Landtag able to defeat it.
Considerable stress has been laid on the publication of secret documents in Petrograd. Press has exulted in what they call evidence of annexationistic intention of Entente.
In line with Germany’s usual endeavors to cause division among Allies papers are stating that America’s great aim will be destruction of England’s influence and obtaining a commercial supremacy of the world.
Hertling’s initial speech fairly well received, probably because he brought the good news of armistice proposals by Russians. Von Kühlmann has also spoken in a vein acceptable to the Reichstag but brought out nothing of great interest. Westarp flatly stated that he could not acquiesce in the manner in which Chancellor had obtained position as it was derogatory to rights of Crown. This seems to indicate decided opposition of the Conservatives to Hertling.
Polish affairs. Perlowski of Polish committee of Lausanne impresses earnestly upon me urgent necessity for prompt declaration by Entente in favor of independence of Poland in line with President Wilson’s declaration of year ago. He claims that Poland is thoroughly anti-Prussian and that there is no danger of her ever turning towards Germany. However, there is grave danger, and facts are already evidencing this, that she will turn towards Austria as the one great power who is showing an interest in her autonomous if not independent future. He predicts situation, if German Army is withdrawn Poland will be menaced by anarchy from Russia and might turn somewhere [else] for aid. Perlowski declares Poland will never fight France or be employed on western front but he does not exclude possibility of Polish divisions organized under [Page 463] Austrian influence to defend frontiers against Russian anarchy. Public opinion which was overwhelmingly in favor of Entente is gradually by silence of Entente as to Poland’s future being turned towards Austria. I have discussed this matter with British Minister who can see no objection to such declaration from Allies.
German military. Concerning possibility of release of prisoners from Russia I learn from excellent Austrian authority that out of 100,000 German prisoners one-tenth have died and out of 1,500,000 Austrian prisoners 200,000 have died. It is also reported that neither of Central powers anxious to have great numbers of these prisoners returned because they fear influence of men infected by anarchistic ideas and because many Austrian prisoners have Slav sympathies.
Reports continue of massing of German troops in Alsace.
Austria-Hungary political. Budget delegates have met in Vienna and will doubtless give rise to bitter discussions since refusal of credits only weapon of Minority parties. Emperor’s address delivered on 4th instant reiterating Austria’s desire for peace. Czernin has also addressed them and fragments of the speeches have been published but as yet no Austrian papers have arrived describing it. In first meeting of delegates Czechs and Yugoslavs accused Austrian Government of suppressing part of Russian, Government’s peace proposal dealing with rights of nationalities to determine own destinies. Fremdenblatt replied to articles claiming that above the rights of nationalities to determine their destiny was right of nation to determine its destiny and preserve its integrity. Papers are filled with articles showing hope of early general peace and Neue Freie Presse printed direct appeal to England.
Announcement has been made in Hungarian Parliament that if it refuses electoral reform bill Parliament will be dissolved even against will of Tisza majority and new election called because Emperor is determined that new electoral law be passed for Hungary.
Austrian press indicates great increase in crime in both Germany and Austria, giving evidence of moral degeneration as consequence of war. Thefts of foodstuffs particularly prevalent.
Count Leopininski, Pole, late Governor General of Galicia, member Austrian Herrenhaus, Privy Councilor, Professor of University of Lemberg and intimate personal and political friend of Czernin, called upon Perlowski, above mentioned, and desired him to present to British Minister and public Leopininski’s views. Latter added that he came without diplomatic character, nevertheless from his position and associates and his expressed desire that these views be brought to British and American Governments his statement is significant. Leopininski points out Russia ceased to exist as war factor [Page 464] but may prove factor in revictualing Germany and Austria, therefore impossible to consider longer starvation of those countries. A logical sequence of Russian anarchy will be repudiation of her debts and spread of that anarchy throughout all Europe. First victim of anarchy will be Poland.
He states aims of Allies are crushing German militarism and suppressing her outside hegemony. He claims this if possible is terrible task and useless in that Germany will never be again military menace as people will no longer submit to autocratic affiliations and military despotism after horrible lesson of war. Discussing Austria, he claims the German alliance was only accepted by Austria because of menace from Russia. This menace now removed she might have no reason to continue Germany’s ally after peace is encouraged. Austria desirous through pride and from economic reasons of complete independence. This idea thoroughly prevalent in Austria and even recognized in Germany that Mittel Europa scheme is dead. Monarchy will strain every endeavor for entire independence, to secure to every one of her nationalities that freedom which Germany has long rendered impossible. Austria desires no annexation but if Poland declares willingness to enter monarchy Austria will accept. Poland is decidedly anti-Prussian. Her entrance into monarchy would decide Slavic character of Austria and would found barrier state against Germany. Restored Poland should be extended far as possible with free access to Baltic as only a great Poland will be useful to western nations and can only be accomplished with Austrian help. Center of Europe will become either Austro-Polish or German and there is no doubt on which side lies interest of Entente.
For these reasons peace should not be longer delayed. Further protraction of war against Allies’ interest. Reconquering of Belgium and northern France would change these countries into a desert. He declares to-day it may be considered as sure that Germany would be ready to restore Belgium without any restrictions. She would agree to an international pacification securing to the Anglo-Saxon race the main influence in the world’s affairs. After further military successes Germany would be unwilling to accept these conditions and Pan-German ideas would prove real danger and mortal danger to Poland. He informed Perlowski that Alsace-Lorraine could not be restored but added later that perhaps a small piece of Lorraine might be ceded. As for Trentino concessions, Germany’s colonies would have to be restored. Austria ready for any scheme for universal pacification. Perlowski adds that policy of German race towards Slavs is substitution of unity for independence.
[Page 465]Ludwig Baur, Austrian nationality, editor of National Zeitung of Basel, states declaration of war against Austria-Hungary would strengthen conservative elements in Germany and Austria and weaken America’s position from moral standpoint. It would make America one of Entente and confound her aims with those of Allies.
Austria-Hungary economic. An Austrian reports that Roumanian harvest possessions gave Central powers approximate equivalent of what they put in as seed, all the rest of harvest remained in country. He continues that decline of Austrian economic resources has thrown her constantly further into hands of Germany and that Czernin makes no secret of fact that Austria could not exist without a close union with that country.
Austria-Hungary military. Reports from Italian source apparently show diminution of troop movements through Austria towards Italian front.
Turkey. Frederick Wirth, former clerk of Embassy, Constantinople, just arrived from Turkey, states Turks and Arabs openly showed delight British victories in Syria. Only 10 per cent of Turks interested success Turkish Government while 50 per cent Greeks and Syrians are actually hostile and 40 per cent too ignorant to appreciate what is happening. Ill feeling between Turks and Germans pronounced and it is rumored that Djemal Pasha has come into conflict with Falkenhayn.
Turkish economic. Crops in interior poor and cost of living there increased twenty times over scale of 1914. Cost sugar thirty times peace price and petroleum, when obtainable, brings $20 gallon. In province Anatolia no rain from July to November and poor people are starving. It is reported no provisions being sent into Turkey whereas Germans, Austrians, and Bulgarians exporting certain supplies from Turkey. Germans contemplating planting cotton in Turkey. Criticising possible declaration of war, he points out that declaration would stop relief work in Turkey and that in view of general good treatment accorded Americans and American institutions in Turkey, it is evident that majority of members of Ottoman Government are anxious not to produce declaration of war on the part of the United States. Wirth states, “I am firmly convinced that the attitude adopted by Talaat Pasha and Djavid Bey, in according good treatment to everything American, is simply an expression of their hope that after war United States will come to their assistance financially and economically.”
Bulgaria. Theodore K. Shipkoff, Bulgarian subject, called to-day purporting to deliver message from Murphy at Sofia. He explained deep influence America on Bulgarian history and great respect paid [Page 466] to American interests in Bulgaria. Makes point that declaration of war by America will strengthen German element in Bulgaria and take from Government only weapon of resistance against German dominance. These he claims are Murphy’s views.
Swedish [Swiss ?] political. Department’s instructions to me to issue declaration concerning Swiss neutrality has had most happy effect this country. All sections of press including that in German Switzerland give most friendly replies. Basler Nachrichten speaks of “great sister Republic.” Ador extremely grateful and informs me will express appreciation formally. British Minister tells me his Government has inquired concerning feasibility Great Britain making similar statement and he has recommended favorably.
Press is withholding criticism of revictualment questions pending results from negotiations in Paris.
Swiss Socialist Congress December 2 addressed [telegram?] to Russian Maximalists expressing profound admiration for their action in bringing about peace.
Federal Council decided yesterday to maintain order of June 26, 1917, that direction of Political Department rests in hands of President of Confederation. This means that Calonder will become president of Political Department as well as President of Swiss Confederation.
On opening session legislature Monday Deputy Fazy, dean of legislature, stated that he had expressed an apparently unrealizable desire three years ago for independence of Belgium and that events were apparently shaping themselves now to bring about realization his desire which he still held.
The political and military tension in Switzerland still continues as result of heavy fighting all sides and concentration in Alsace. Activities of German propaganda ostensibly economic in nature apparently represent greater expenditure of effort than results would warrant possibly pointing to preparation of military character.
It is again reported that General Wille will resign in short time and be succeeded by Colonel Isler.