File No. 763.72/10985
The Minister in the Netherlands ( Garrett) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 11, 2.03 p.m.]
3911. My 3908, 10th.2 German communiqués of 8th evening and 9th morning unique in open admission of enemy successes thus showing possible responsiveness to campaign for truth about military situation waged by Rathenau, Rohr[bach] and even Reventlow. Great astonishment unquestionably existed in German mind over unexcelled [unexpected] reverses. Home propaganda is endeavoring to turn dismay into dogged determination. Difficult to forecast what iconoclastic effect this violent and sudden shock of truth will have upon German [public] so long immune from thoughts of imminent danger. In apparent attempt to divert public interest, press is giving undue publicity to matters of secondary importance, as for example, [Page 297] Prussian-Bavarian differences resulting from alleged discrimination in meat distribution in favor of Berlin; the bitterness of this discussion is believed to be indicative, however, of the general irritability.
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