Paris Peace Conf. 184.01202/2: Telegram
Captain W. R. Gherardi to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
[Received via Colonel Williams, G–2, Third Army, A. E. F., Coblenz, 11:20 p.m.]
2. Situation of Government critical because of active resistance in Bremen, Düsseldorf, and Eisenach where Spartacists are in control. Government volunteer troops of doubtful qualifications have been sent to Bremen where Bolshevik government has been instituted. The Government demand that the workmen give up their arms has been met by active preparations to resist loyal troops; negotiations which have taken place have so far been fruitless and fighting may take place as the Government appears determined to crush rebellion. In Eisenach Workmen’s Council has threatened to prevent National Assembly. Berlin appears quiet, but considerable apprehension of new Spartacist uprising exists. Spartacists offer soldiers of “Red Soldiers League” 30 marks a day. The outcome of the present struggle will show whether the Government in cooperation with Brackecis Partys [sic] can restore orderly condition and preserve democracy. It is severely handicapped by apathetic mentality of people which has lost hope with break-down of old orderly regime. This has been much accentuated by underfeeding, high infant mortality, and by rapidly increased unemployment which is demoralizing even those of the masses who have been orderly until the present. The early lifting of the food blockade and that on certain essential raw material alone can enable the present government to hold the situation and to suppress the danger of further disorganization.