File No. 763.72/10771
The Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 21, 10.15 p.m.]
4005. German political. Resignation of Von Kühlmann, despite the regret of the Liberal press of both Germany and Austria at losing a statesman who has voiced their ideas, and despite the displeasure of the Reichstag Majority at the suddenness of the change, has not prevented the Chancellor from saving the situation and, obtaining the required credits before the cessation of the Reichstag session.
Apparently the Chancellor, in a speech before the Main Committee, made concessions satisfactory to the Socialist Majority Party which, however, demanded that publicity be given to his statement concerning the restitution of Belgium. Accordingly a résumé was given out by Wolff evoking criticism from the Conservative press. The whole of the Chancellor’s statement was then published by the Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung showing that Belgium is held as a pledge, not only for German territorial integrity and restoration of colonies, but also for guarantees that Belgium will not be base [Page 292] against Germany in military or economic sense. The press amplifies this by adding it must be pledge against economic boycott and for reparation German loss through illegal blockade, and adds that promise of independence to Flanders must be kept.
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