File No. 763.72119/1175
The Minister in the Netherlands ( Garrett ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 27, 9.36 a.m.]
1949. German private individual closely identified with Government circles in Germany and in sympathy with Moderates states that Hertling and Czernin conferred together before making their speeches; that it was their intention to indicate willingness to continue exchange of views along the lines of Lloyd George’s speeds and particularly in accordance with President Wilson’s message; that in view of the fact that Czernin spoke before public it was considered advisable for him to state this intention more clearly than Hertling and that therefore Czernin’s speech should be taken as the-clearer statement of the aims of the Central Powers. The informant states that Hertling’s position was very strong.