Paris Peace Conf. 184.01202/50
Major Arnold Whitridge to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
No. 6
Berlin, February 18, 1919.
Subject: Political situation.
- 1.
- There are inclosed herewith a copy of the Wahlkreis Karte Zur National Versammlung,6 which gives a good idea of the political complexion of the country, and a report from two members of the Mission who have been examining political and economic conditions in Hamburg and Bremen;7 also a report on the unemployment situation in Germany.6
- 2.
- With reference to a telegram received from General Churchill’s office requesting information on the present strength, organization, equipment, morale, discipline and intention of all enemy forces within the German empire, I consider that this Mission is not in a position to gather the information required. On our arrival in Berlin, Captain Gherardi impressed on the Foreign Office that this Mission was not a military one, and that its only purpose was to study the political [Page 29] and economic situation. In view of this statement, any attempt on our part to obtain complete data on the present German military organization would naturally be regarded with considerable surprise. I will, however, forward as soon as possible such information as I have been able to gather on the various “freiwillige korps”, which appear to be the only troops on which the government can depend.
- 3.
- The angry protestations of the press over the new armistice conditions are only another proof that the German people as a whole do not realize that their army was defeated. The attitude seems to be that inasmuch as Germany laid down her arms voluntarily, the Allies are taking a very unfair advantage of her. Count Brockdorff-Rantzau has considerably strengthened his position by offering to resign. It is very unlikely that his resignation will be accepted but should the conservative element get into power again his offer of resignation will stand him in good stead.
- 4.
- The strike in the Ruhr coal mines may possibly precipitate further disorder, as it is wholly Spartacist in origin and the government appears determined to suppress it.
A. Whitridge