Paris Peace Conf. 184.01102/175½
Mr. Ellis Loring Dresel to the Secretary General of the Commission to Negotiate Peace (Grew)
Paris, March 20, 1919.
Subject: Memorandum of Mr. R. J. Kerner.
- 1.
- Mr. R. J. Kerner’s memorandum is returned herewith. His discussion of Bolshevism appears to me of considerable interest and value. On the other hand, his conclusions as to the necessity of Germany acknowledging her defeat and giving up her alleged policy of “revanche” rest on a very shadowy basis, and show to my mind that the writer has not lately been in Germany.
- 2.
- In an article by A. G. Anderson of the International News Service, who has lately been in Berlin, he says: “The Berliners admit two things. First, that the war has taught them a lesson they will not forget; secondly, that Germany is defeated. The curious type of German who believes otherwise has been reduced to an infinitesimal faction.” This is my view; and I always thought that no specific declaration of defeat or guilt or verbal abandonment of a policy of revenge is of much use, as such statements might be entirely insincere and in any case would not be binding.
- 3.
- As to Kerner’s specific recommendations, I agree with 1 (a) and (b). As to 1 (c), political advisers would clearly be out of place as soon as Legations are founded in the countries as recognized.
- 4.
- I do not agree with (2) as above indicated. No better admission of defeat can be devised than the acceptance of the peace terms, and nothing else really counts.
Ellis Loring
Dresel