File No. 763.72/8267
The Minister in the Netherlands ( Garrett) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23, 7.10 p.m.]
1792. Kreuzzeitung discussing prospects of Prussian electoral reform points out that there is apparent majority in committee deliberating on the new measures against equal suffrage. Paper criticizes attitude of Socialist press in inciting popular demonstrations in favor of equal suffrage and states that Conservative Party is fighting with clear conscience for conservation of the tried and true forces of old Prussia and will meet the disruptive agitation of Socialists with effective counter-measures however painful and regrettable internal dissension may be at the time.
Rheinisch-Westfälische Zeitung reports that leaders of Independent Socialist Party in Cologne were arrested on 16th and party office placed under military guard.
[Page 485]Frankfurter Zeitung writes that speech of Prince Max of Baden is concession of German idealism and is addressed to German people. The best thing he said was that the sole effective guarantee of the freedom of a people is the character of that people. His appeal to the sense of responsibility comes at a dark time when the apostles of hate are still preaching their unclean gospel but respect for the enemy is common in the trenches and in reality all humanity is longing to hear again the gospel of truth.
Kölnische Zeitung writes that Asquith’s speech is now proof of old saying that bad conscience breeds loquacity. The speech is nothing but expression of fear of submarine war and final recognition of our military victory hence its engaging moderation.
Vorwärts writes that Asquith talks like cautious man who doesn’t want to bind his hands. He repeats old fiction that Germany hasn’t made known her peace terms and doesn’t dare break with old idea that England must pass moral judgment on Germany. In saying England combats German militarism alone he overlooks fact German militarism cannot be curtailed without killing thousands of Germans. His assurances that England merely waits to perform painless operation on Germany cannot but have comic effect in Germany. It is clear that German militarism cannot be overcome in military way but only in political way through peace with courts of arbitration and international disarmament. Both sides are in favor of the same peace with sole distinction that we want it now without being beaten and other side want it some time later after we have been beaten. Although we are determined opponents of militarism we have no other reply to demand that we must be beaten but to say we are sorry but cannot help to that end. Vorwärts writes that Hertling’s statements in reply to Lloyd George’s speech that no negotiation with men of that type was possible was ill advised and recalls the famous war cry, “No terms with Hohenzollern.” It is for English to decide how long they want to keep Lloyd George and when they are ready to negotiate with us for peace we shall not look at the men whom they send but at proposals they bring.
Kölnische Volkszeitung welcomes aggressive spirit which Hertling’s words breathe and hopes that this new course will be adhered to.
Magdeburgische Zeitung writes that Germany gladly hears Hertling’s proud reply that no negotiation with Lloyd George possible. Words like these have been wanted for long time and ‘tis hoped they will be followed by further words and deeds in same direction. Press features report of German offer to talk peace with England last September. Socialist papers express great regret at lost opportunity to terminate war.
[Page 486]Schwäbsche Tagwacht says that whole affair exposes evils of secret diplomacy and fully justifies Socialists’ demand for publicity regarding peace terms.
Vorwärts demands immediate publication of Germany’s peace terms and expresses alarm at statements in Pan-German press to effect that military authorities suppressed German communication to England at critical time.
Frankfurter Zeitung writes that much still remains to be cleared up before true idea can be formed of what actually happened but that world will be unable to understand even now why it should be impossible for discussion to take place now that readiness of both sides is established. Paper thinks Germany’s position wouldn’t be compromised at all were she to take Balfour’s statement at its worth and give him an opportunity to act in accordance with what he said in Parliament and Tageblatt writes that incident is bloody tragedy of errors but that ‘tis impossible to let matters rest as they are now, as the result of chance or distrust. Germany knows that British Government declared with approval Entente its readiness to receive any communication from German Government and Europe should know before Christmas that no step once decided upon in principle has been omitted even after the explanation now given of the affair.
Germania writes that more important than criticizing failures of the past is the duty of seeing whether things cannot be brought in motion again if only to deprive enemy of pretext for placing blame for failure of negotiations on Germany. Pan-German press raves at Government.
Tageszeitung writes that peace offer to England is defeat and undying mortification for Kühlmann’s policy and for German Empire and inquires how much longer that born statesman is to remain in office.
Deutsche Zeitung insinuates that affair is part of movement to exclude military authorities from peace negotiations as shown by result of Crown Council of September which declared Germany’s disinterestedness in Belgium against votes of Hindenburg and Ludendorff.
Bernhard in Vossische Zeitung expresses satisfaction at this latest failure of German diplomacy since he believes it would be extremely perilous for Germany to reach any premature understanding with England.
Tageblatt writes that armistice agreement with Russia is based on fair understanding between contracting parties and will be received in Germany with great satisfaction especially on account of liberal provision for intercourse between the two countries.
Frankfurter Zeitung comments that Russian Government is acting under pressure of necessity. The war is totally and irrevocably lost [Page 487] for Russia so that accommodating attitude on her part is only natural. The Germans and their allies speak as victors but the tone in which they speak, the demands they make and the whole spirit in which they approach the reorganization of affairs in east are best possible refutation of all those calumnies uttered about Germany in continual speeches of English and other Ministers.
Kölnische Zeitung writes that news of armistice and opening of peace negotiations with Russia has been received by the people quietly. The first real sign of peace hasn’t led to any excesses or been conducive to false judgment of entire situation. The people know that in the east we have the probability of peace but in the west the certainty of further severe battles.
Tageblatt writes that Central powers will have to see to it that negotiations with Russia are at all times so conducted that real peace comes in the east and at same time powerful effect is produced on nations of west over inflexible heads of Lloyd George and Clemenceau.
Vorwärts says future of Europe depends on peace negotiations with Russia. German Government has come to parting of ways. If when the masks are dropped the face of land-greedy imperialism is revealed the strongest pillars of Germany’s defence which have withstood the most terrific storms in history will crumble away. May the German plenipotentiaries proceed to negotiations with full consciousness of tremendous historic responsibility resting upon them which will pitilessly crush them if they fail. They must bring us full and genuine peace, nothing less will acquit them. Vorwärts reports meeting Berlin Majority Socialists passed resolution rejecting all plans of annexation assuring Russian comrades of solidarity with them and stating they expect German Government to agree to peace on basis of right of self-government all nations without annexations or contributions.
Magdeburgische Zeitung writes that German people have now recovered from period of depression following passage of Reichstag peace resolution and that Army and people are filled with newborn enthusiasm which it will be duty of military authorities and Government to guide into channels where it can be most effective at this crucial time.
Leipziger Volkszeitung says it is clearer than ever how far Germany is removed from general peace. The policy pursued by German Government promises to be fatal to peace in the west. It is not by declaring readiness to continue fighting or by threatening German annexations in the west that the Entente desire for peace can be strengthened. Frank and unequivocal statement of Germany’s peace terms in sense of democratic peace would have far more effect on English and French war cabinets than any threats by [Page 488] Hertling. The negotiations with Russia will force Germany to lift the veil from her policy and what is then revealed will decide whether there shall be new war or general peace.
Tägliche Rundschau learns that Independent Socialists were refused passports for Stockholm although one was issued Scheidemann.
Mittags Zeitung prints interview with Persian Minister, Berlin, who stated sympathies Persian people were always with Central powers and that evacuation of Persia by Turkish and Russian troops would soon be arranged.
Tageblatt writes Chancellor and Kühlmann received representatives all parties in conference on peace negotiations with Russia.
Leading papers print denial that Anna Huitems was shot in America as German spy.
Kölnische Zeitung writes that food distribution office for edible fats has been forced to reduce ration of butter and margarine from 90 to 70 grammes weekly commencing January 1 but that general public will not receive more than 62 grammes at most.
Vorwärts of 16th printed memorial of city [borough?] of Berlin, Neukölln, to War Food Office dated December 3 and printed as confidential, stating that existing conditions respecting food control and distribution are absolutely untenable and bound to lead to catastrophe unless promptly remedied. Vorwärts writes it felt in duty bound to publish document which in showing that municipalities have been forced to exceed maximum prices and deal with profiteers in order to procure enough food for population demonstrates impossibility of Von Waldow’s system. This document was widely reproduced in press and Tageblatt writes result is that Von Waldow’s position is precarious, Michaelis being spoken of as successor. Socialist Hue said in Prussian Lower House coal shortage was acute. Berlin gas works had only five days’ supply; Charlottenburg electric light works only ten days’ supply. Vorwärts of 18th wrote on authority Berlin magistracy Berlin gas works had three days’ coal supply only, no new supplies having been received since October 1.
Kreuzzeitung of 20th reported new coal supplies received Berlin which would suffice for some time barring untoward circumstances.
Börsen-Zeitung writes conferences will soon be held in the Reich-bank to discuss problems arising from resumption of trade between Russia and Germany with particular regard to prevention of any detrimental effect on German exchange.
Reichsanzeiger of 18th printed proclamation concerning compulsory administration of American enterprises.
Tageszeitung comments that there remains only one act of reprisal against America, namely, the liquidation of American enterprises.