Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1918, Supplement 2, The World War

File No. 763.72/4573

The Minister in Sweden ( Morris) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Stockholm, May 11, 1917, 6 p.m.
[Received May 12, 3 a.m.]

353. I am informed by a reliable American, who yesterday returned from Germany where he has been chief representative of an important American newspaper, following information:

Shortly after diplomatic relations were severed German Chamber of Commerce issued figures showing that there were about 400 Americans remaining in Germany. Last week they stated that there were then about 300, of which approximately 150 are in Berlin. No restrictions are put on Americans except that they must report daily to the police authorities and be in their homes by 10 o’clock at night unless they receive special permission to remain out longer. There is no particular bitterness or animosity against Americans. German officials still adopt the policy that Germany has not declared itself at war with the United States and does not recognize in its conduct that a state of war exists.

There have been large increases in the supply of meat throughout Germany at a reduced price which the Government has fixed for meat. On the other hand the cereal and bread rations have been materially decreased. This increase of meat supply may indicate that Germany is unable to obtain sufficient fodder for live stock and therefore finds it necessary to increase its slaughter.

Complete order seems to prevail throughout Germany and there are no serious epidemics of disease, or riots. The mass of the people still feel sure of ultimate victory. Informant in calling at the Foreign Office last week before his departure was told by the officials there that while Germany recognized the seriousness and gravity of America’s entering the war, still they felt that it would be a long time before America would be able to obtain trained troops and equipment necessary to become an effective factor in the war. The officials throughout Germany seem to be anxious not to irritate or annoy Americans, probably because they fear retaliation on the great number of German subjects now in America.

Morris