File No. 763.72/4043
The Minister in Sweden ( Morris ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7.15 p.m.]
317. Following information given me by prominent American who for past year has been chief of an American press bureau in Berlin:
Informant desired to leave Germany and asked if in view of the fact that a state of war existed between the United States and Germany he would have difficulty in procuring permit to depart. He was informed that there would be no difficulty whatever as Germany was unaware of the existence of the state of war. Informant adds that Germany is constantly maintaining this attitude.
Strike of 250,000 laborers in Berlin on April 16 was not indication of revolutionary spirit but more showing growth of desire for peace and of democratic spirit in Germany as evidenced by Emperor’s Easter proclamation.
Morale of people good and has not been affected by America’s entry into the war. While bread ration reduced from 1,900 to 1,600 grams per week, meat ration increased 100 per cent for same time.