Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, The Paris Peace Conference, 1919, Volume XII

Paris Peace Conf. 862.00/236

Report on Economic and Political Conditions in Silesia, Prepared by Captain Robert L. Black, Lieutenant Albert H. Stonestreet, and Field Clerk A. L. Rosenthal

March 6, 1919.

General

Itinerary.

Pursuant to the order of Captain W. E. Gherardi, Chief of the Mission for Germany, Captain Robert L. Black, Lt. Albert H. Stone-street and Field Clerk A. L. Rosenthal, proceeded from Berlin to investigate and report on economic and political conditions in Silesia. Arriving in Breslau on February 22, the representatives of the Mission with the cooperation of the local authorities, took statements from 19 persons as to conditions in Breslau and the province. On February 23, the representatives were taken by motor to Waldenburg and there took statements from 15 persons as to conditions in Waldenburg and Glatz, and as to the Czech claims. During the morning of February 24, 3 additional statements were taken in Breslau, and the representatives proceeded to Upper Silesian industrial district in the afternoon. In the evening, at Kattowitz, statements were taken from 12 persons as to local conditions. During the morning of February 25, statements were taken from 4 persons as to labor conditions. A tour of the district was made by motor. In the evening, statements were taken at Gleiwitz from 15 persons as to the Polish claims, etc. The representatives returned to Berlin during the night. Attached hereto are copies of the statements and statistical data furnished to the representatives.¹⁰

Comment.

Practically all of the statements on which this report is based were made by government officials or experts selected by them. The representatives of the Mission, being in uniform and accordingly conspicuous, were able to secure independent interviews from 5 persons only. This report, therefore, except where facts are specifically stated to be from independent sources or personal observation, must be taken with the understanding that it is a summary of the German contentions.

Outstanding Problems in Silesia.

1) Food. Conditions in the Waldenburg and Upper Silesian industrial districts are probably worse than elsewhere in Germany. The authorities insist on the need of immediate assistance from America.

2) Bolshevism. A complete demoralization within a few weeks is predicted unless food is supplied to the workers.

3) Czech claims to Glatz and Waldenburg. The Germans contend that the population is overwhelmingly German.

4) Polish claim to Upper Silesia. The Germans contend that a majority of the population is German or loyal to Germany, and that the industrial organization is wholly German.

I. Breslau

(Including general data as to Silesia)

economic

Industry and Commerce.

The principal industries of Breslau are:

Manufacture of railroad rolling stock; the normal output is 200 locomotives and 7,000–8,000 trucks per year.

Textiles; converted in part during the war to the manufacture of paper fabrics.

Paper and leather products.

Clothing.

All industries are suffering from a lack of raw materials and transportation. A part of the depression, however, is caused by the necessary readjustment to peace conditions.

The commerce of Breslau is carried on principally with Eastern Europe. It is not cut off by the closing of the Polish border.

The agricultural products of Silesia are sugar, potatoes, and grain. Minimum crops are expected during the coming year because of the lack of seasonal labor from Poland and the loss of agricultural machinery abandoned in the East on the withdrawal of the German armies.

Transportation.

Railroad transportation has been greatly reduced by the loss of rolling stock and the bad condition of what remains. 1,000 locomotives and 150,000 trucks were abandoned in Poland on the withdrawal of the German armies. The deliveries under the Armistice conditions have aggravated the shortage. The total number of locomotives in Silesia has fallen as follows:

1914	1916	1919
2307	1744	1242

The hauling capacity of those now available is half of normal because of poor material. The roundabout route to East and West Prussia, imposed by the occupation of Posen, has greatly increased the burden; the facilities at Cüstrin, the junction point in West Prussia are insufficient. The reduction in the traffic in coal through Breslau is:

January 1914	January 1916	January 1919
311,751 tons	287,400 tons	91,631 tons

Hence the shortage of coal in all Germany east of the Elbe.

Freight traffic has been maintained only by eliminating passenger trains. An order reducing passenger traffic by an additional 50% is contemplated.

The Oder waterway connects Silesia with tide water at Stettin and with the Elbe and Vistula, and carries boats of 600 tons burden. There are available on the Oder 265 tow-boats and 1700 cargo boats, besides the equipment on other systems. Coal constitutes about 60% of the freight carried.

Labor.

The labor population of Breslau is 100,000–120,000.

No strikes have occurred recently,

15,000 unemployed, of whom 10,500 are men are registered at the City employment office. This number does not include 4/5 of the unemployed women, 20,000 soldiers retained in demobilization camps at the request of the city authorities, 2,600 clerks, etc. Nor does it take account of the fact that many employers have adopted a 30 hour per week schedule. It is estimated that only half of the actual working strength of the city is employed.

The number of registered unemployed has increased from 4,500 at the end of December. The daily increase in registration is about 100. The employers, even those who are strongest financially, will not be able to keep their shops open much longer.

The 2,000 unemployed can be given work for a month leveling the fortifications around Breslau. 4,000 have already applied.

Food, Clothing, etc.

The food issues and the supplies for the future are practically the same in Silesia as throughout Germany.

The following facts are more or less peculiar to Breslau.

Potatoes. The supply will fail in March. The Silesian crop is not available until July-August.

Fat. No fat has been issued for 2 months.

Milk. The supply has fallen in six months from 150,000 to 73,000 liters. None is issued except to children below 6 years.

Eggs. The entire issue last year was 20 eggs per head.

The death rate especially from tuberculosis has increased greatly because of starvation.

The central cooking plant in Breslau prepares and distributes one meal a day consisting of 1 liter of soup and 3/4 liter of “essen”. The ingredients are cleaned bones without the marrow, barley, cabbage, carrots, etc. The “essen” is a flat sticky gruel, filling but not nourishing, and with an infinitesimal fat content.

Land Problem in Silesia.

A limited amount of information was furnished on this subject.

Graf Kaiserlingk-Kammerau stated: the average size of the hereditary estates (Rittergut) is 300 hectares. While the owners of 75,000 hectares have consented to subdivision, it is impracticable because of the high cost of land—4,000 marks per hectare—building and equipment; a 10 hectare farm complete would cost 80,000 marks. Finally, there is no popular demand for breaking up the large estates.

By way of comment, this statement does not seem wholly disingenuous. A popular demand certainly does exist elsewhere in Prussia. In Upper Silesia, the Poles promise, as part of their propaganda, a small landholding to each man.

From personal observation the great sugar beet plantations about Breslau, while admirably cultivated and served by narrow gauge railroads and local sugar refineries, are wholly lacking in housing accommodations for workers. A potato farm in the Upper Silesian industrial district gave much the same impression.

Poland has heretofore provided seasonal labor (Sachsen-gaenger) for the cultivation of the large estates. Great numbers, especially women, have been imported in the Spring and rigidly deported in the fall. The supply will fail this year, and such Russian prisoners as now remain will have been repatriated. An effort has been made to induce the unemployed of the cities to go on the land by promises of additional food and a small garden plot, but in so far as the inducements are not much greater than those offered to the Poles or the Russians, the efforts have not been successful.

political

Domestic

Government.

The results of the elections to the National Assembly were (in seats):

	Middle Silesia (Breslau, Waldenburg, Glatz)	Lower Silesia
Majority Socialists	6	4
Democratic Party	2	2
Center Party	2	1
German Peoples Party	2	1

From personal observation: While some of the officials of the old regime have been replaced by their subordinates, the revolution has not worked fundamental changes in Breslau. The persons selected to make statements to the representatives of the Mission were obviously conservatives. Pictures of the Kaiser and Crown Prince remain hanging in the President’s office in the Regierungsgebauede, and the words “Kaiserliche” and “Koenigliche” have not been generally erased from official signs, etc. Silesia has always been loyal to the Prussian cause, and Breslau as an industrial center has been closely involved with the imperial ambitions.

Army.

The Staff officers claim to be sure of the loyalty of the soldiers and their ability to check internal disorder.

From personal observation: There has been a breakdown of discipline among the troops, similar to that in Berlin.

People.

The population of Breslau has been exceptionally orderly and quiet since the revolution. In the middle of February, an uprising occurred after a meeting of the unemployed, and some 16 rioters were killed before the authorities regained control.

The workers are losing faith in the moderate socialist leaders, and are getting out of control. The clerks and the students at the University are forming radical groups.

The statement was repeatedly made that Russian Bolsheviks were coming over the border at the rate of about 100 a day, assisted by the Poles and well supplied with money. The secret police report that recently at a meeting of Spartacists in Breslau attended by 150 members and addressed by a Russian, an organization was effected and arrangements for a general strike made. It was predicted that, unless food is furnished to the people, complete anarchy will result within a few weeks or even days.

Opinions on this question from independent sources were: from an Oberwachmeister of the City Police, that though disorder must be expected, the authorities have sufficient force to maintain control; from a Jewish business man that the imminence of Bolshevism was much exaggerated; from a rabbi and a hotel manager, that the danger was immediate.

International

Polish claim.

The line between the German and the Poles, fixed by the Armistice conditions, runs along the northern and eastern boundary of Middle Silesia. Both sides maintain armed forces along the northern line.

Military situation.

The cadres of noncommissioned officers were not demobilized after the withdrawal of the German Army. It however is difficult to enlist soldiers to fill them out. The morale of the troops as against the Poles is excellent.

No information was given as to the strength of the opposing forces.

There are constant reports of clashes between patrols. The Germans contend that the Poles are wilfully breaking over the line. For instance, on February 17, a Polish force made an attack near Grebline (north of Militsch) ¾ km within the Silesian boundary.

II. Waldenburg and Glatz

economic

Industry and Commerce.

Coal mining is the principal industry of Waldenburg. The coal basin extends into the edge of Glatz, furnishes an excellent coking coal, and is estimated to last at the present rate of mining about 40 years. 5–6 million tons are mined yearly and 25,000–30,000 miners are employed.

The other industries are textiles, procelain, glass etc.

Mining is suffering from the crisis in transportation; the other industries from a lack of raw materials—especially kaolin from Bohemia—and from the stoppage of war orders.

There are a number of watering places in Glatz, which were much patronized before the war by Russians.

Transportation.

The conditions in Breslau apply to Waldenburg and Glatz.

The stringency is so great that coal is being hauled by road for considerable distances.

Labor.

Only two strikes occurred during the war. Both were quickly settled without disorder.

There are no unemployed in Waldenburg. Many of the factories are working on a 30-hour schedule. 200 unemployed are brought in daily by train from neighboring towns and given work in Waldenburg.

The factories will soon be forced to discharge their men and close down unless raw materials are provided.

Food, Clothing, etc.

The food situation in Waldenburg is worse than in Breslau. The surrounding country is mountainous and in forest so that there is no local supply of vegetables. The customary imports of food from Bohemia have been stopped by the closing of the frontier.

Fats are peculiarly necessary to the underground worker. As a result of under-nourishment the capacity of the miner has fallen from 0.727 tons per head, in times of peace, to 0.56 tons. They frequently collapse at their work.

From personal observation: The starved conditions of the workers was most pathetic. The children were emaciated and stunted in growth. It would appear as if Waldenburg, being an out of the way district, and normally good humored, had been neglected in the matter of food.

political

Domestic

Government.

From personal observation: The officials of the old time regime seem to have combined with the leaders of the workers rather than to have been displaced by the revolution.

For results of the election to the National Assembly see Breslau.

People.

The people of Waldenburg, especially the workers have been exceptionally patient throughout the war and since the revolution. The moderate socialist newspaper has 30,000 readers. Not a single Independent-Socialist vote was cast in the recent election. Only 12 avowed Spartacists are known.

Grave fears are expressed for the future. The Rote Fahne has recently acquired 300–400 readers, a tendency toward radicalism has set in, and the moderate leaders are losing touch. A minor uprising had recently been narrowly averted.

A complete breakdown from hunger [is] inevitable within a short time.

The people of Glatz have not been so longsuffering and there has been disorder within the last weeks.

International

The Czech claims.

The Czech claim Glatz and Waldenburg on the ground of the Czech population.

Czech population.

There are no Czechs in Waldenburg. There are a few German Bohemian miners, long resident and married to German wives.

In Glatz the Czechs number 3,000–5,000 (maximum figure for Middle Silesia—9,700) as against a German population of 175,000. They inhabit a small district in the mountains along the northwest boundary between Glatz and Bohemia, comprising the villages of Schlaney, Tscherbemy and Kakobowitz, Ober-Kudowa, Strasseney and Bukowine, and Nauseney. Their ancestors colonized the district under Frederick the Great to secure religious freedom; only one of the villages is Catholic. They are thoroughly Germanized. Czech is spoken in the homes only and is not taught in the schools or used in the churches. They fought loyally with the 38th Regiment in the war. The national movement is of very recent origin, and has secured a following only because of the extravagant promises made by the propagandists.

German arguments against annexation.

Glatz and Waldenburg have been colonized by Germans since the 14th Century, and have belonged to the Prussian crown since the time of Frederick the Great. Waldenburg is unanimously and intensely German. The industrial organization is wholly German.

Glatz is geographically part of Silesia; a high plateau cut off from Bohemia by a mountain with only three passes; all rivers and roads eact [sic]. The population is overwhelmingly German, and the industries are wholly German.

The Czechs make the claim because they covet the Waldenburg coal basin and the Glatz watering places.

Military situation.

The Czechs have mobilized 150,000–200,000 troops in positions to threaten Glatz and Upper Silesia. 30,000 are under arms along the western Silesian border although 10,000 would be ample for a border guard. So far no fighting has occurred, but reports of intended invasions keep the German population in a state of constant dread. It was rumored that an attack was to have been made on February 24.

The Germans feel sure of being able to hold the passes into Bohemia. The army and the population are intensely loyal. No information was given as to the strength of the German forces.

III. Upper Silesia

economic

Industry and Commerce.

The Upper Silesian industrial district is similar to the Ruhrrever [sic], though second to it in importance. It has grown up in the last 60 years. It furnishes 32% of the coal production of Germany and 17.6% of the zinc production of the world. The coal basin within the German border(⅓ of the whole) is estimated to last 1,000 years at the present rate of mining.

The principal industries are (figures for 1913):

	Yearly production in marks.	Men employed.
Coal mining	393,664,928	130,000
Rolling mills (Iron and Zinc)	179,409,079	30,000
Iron refining	94,242,816	13,000
Zinc,Lead and Silver Smelting	90,203,405	12,800
Iron Smelting	70,101,845	5,300
Coking	47,165,000
Zinc and Lead Mining	36,440,168	12,000
Cast Iron and Steel	16,081,573	34,000
Briquetting	5,038,000	4,000
Iron Mining	699,934	1,300

Production in the iron mines has greatly decreased in the last few years and iron has been imported from Poland, Sweden, etc. for refining and fabricating.

All of these industries appear to be in full operation, although complaints are made of a lack of raw materials and transportation.

The rest of Upper Silesia is devoted to agriculture. There are however small mining districts in the southern part.

Transportation.

The supply of available locomotives has been reduced from 1,200 to 700–800; of these 40% are constantly in the repair shops as against 16% before the war.

Instead of a normal shipment of 8,000 ten-ton trucks daily, only 30,000–40,000 tons of coal are shipped. 2 million tons are awaiting transportation.

The milk supply for the district is hauled 400 km on local freights and is thereby delayed 3–4 days in delivery.

Gleiwitz is connected with the Oder at Cosel by canal. At high water 15,000 tons daily can be shipped from Cosel, but the water stages in the upper reaches of the Oder are unreliable.

Labor.

220,000 workers are now employed in the mining and metallurgical industries. Before the war there was a floating labor population of 40,000 Poles; this is now reduced to 11,000–12,000.

There are no unemployed in the district. Women are performing heavy labor.

Strikes. To meet the increased cost of living, emergency allowances (Kriegsteurungen) first of 15% and finally of 40%, were paid to the workers during the war.

Ever since the revolution the miners and metallurgical workers have been in a continuous state of unrest. It is claimed that the strikes have been instigated by the Polish Communists known as the PPS—and the Polish Nationalists.

On November 19, the first strike was settled amicably by an increase of 15–25% in wages and the establishment of the 8-hour day. Another strike immediately followed with disorder and damage to company property. It was settled on November 29, by a further increase of 15%. The total increase in November was, therefore, 30–40%. In comparison with the present daily capacity of the worker the increase is actually 60–100%.

In December a third strike, fomented by the PPS and attended with personal violence to company officials was settled by an allowance of 30–150 marks to each worker for the purchase of clothing.

In January a fourth strike for an additional allowance of 800 marks was instigated by the Polish Nationalists and involved 80% of the workers. It was settled after two weeks by an adverse decision of arbitrators.

The unrest is again on the increase. The PPS is agitating for a 30-mark 6-hour day.

Food, Clothing etc.

Before the war, the principal food of the Upper Silesian worker was fat pork and potatoes; 3,600 hogs were allotted to Kattowitz for weekly slaughter. An abnormal ration of fat is essential to the nourishment of the miner and foundry worker.

Important imports of food have been stopped by the closing of the Polish border.

The following facts are more or less peculiar to the district:

Meat. The actual issue, including bones is: in Kattowitz, 150 grams per week; in Gleiwitz, 131 grams.

Fat. The actual issue in the month of December was 30 grams of margarine. There has been no fat issue since. The price of butter has risen 2,000–2,500% since the war.

Potatoes. The supply will fail in three weeks.

Milk. The milk supply has fallen from 15,000 liters in peace times to 1,800. ¼ liter is issued to children under 6, but the supply is frequently ruined by delays in transportation.

Surreptitious trade. Considerable food is smuggled from Poland, with the connivance of the Polish Nationalists. 800 smugglers are said to cross the bridge, between Myslowitz and Modrzejow every night.

As a result of undernourishment, the daily capacity of the miners has been reduced from 1.2 tons per head in time of peace to .45–.5 tons.

The sick benefit fund of the railroad employees has a deficit of 1,000,000 marks from unprecedented sickness.

A cheap suit of clothes cost 500–600 marks; an overcoat 800–1,000 marks; and shoes 100 marks per pair.

From personal observation: The conditions are worse than elsewhere in Germany. The faces of the workers are haggard. The women and children are pitiably emaciated. Although snow was lying on the ground in protected spots, 25% of the women and children were on the streets barefooted.

political

Domestic

Government.

The results of the elections to the National Assembly in Upper Silesia were:

Majority-socialists	5
Democratic Party	1
Center	8
National Peoples Party	1

From personal observation: The officials of the old regime were ousted in the disorder following the revolution, and were replaced by Majority-socialists who had the confidence of the people. The Workmen’s and Soldier’s Councils are active. Nevertheless, the picture of the Kaiser still hangs conspicuously in the hotel dining-room at Kattowitz and a reference to the “unconquered German army” by a speaker at one of the meetings met with general approval.

People.

The moderate leaders have practically lost control of the people. The labor unrest was originally economic, but has been diverted to political purposes by the Polish agitators. It was predicted that unless the intolerable food conditions are remedied, the district will turn Bolshevist within 4 weeks.

From personal observation: The officials and leaders are in a state of strained suspense.

Army.

No information was forthcoming as to the attitude of the troops in respect to the maintenance of order.

From personal observation: Such troops as were met on the streets and roads appeared surly and undisciplined.

International

The National Polish movement.

Poland claims the whole of Upper Silesia and especially the industrial district on the ground that the majority of population is Polish, and desires annexation.

The Silesian Pole.

The Silesian Pole or “Water Pole” is the descendant of original Polish colonists. 92–95% are Catholics, the rest Protestant. They belong practically exclusively to the laboring classes. The Silesian Pole has not created a single industry in Upper Silesia.

53% of the total population of Upper Silesia according to German figures (59% according to Polish figures) are Silesian Poles. They are distributed as follows (1910 census per thousand):

District	Silesian Poles	Germans
Tarnowitz	668.42	270.28
Beuthen (Country)	628.13	302.83
Beuthen (City)	330.80	606.50
Kattowitz (Country)	648.47	303.33
Kattowitz (City)	133.36	854.49
Koenigshuette	339.85	540.69
Hindenburg	510.40	339.69
Pless	860.43	133.97
Rybnik	778.17	188.95
Tost-Gleiwitz	763.94	203.79
Gleiwitz (City)	146.93	739.66

Water-Polish is a primitive tongue based on High Polish, but supplemented by German words with Polish terminations. It is a spoken language, without orthography or literature. The Silesian Pole can barely understand High Polish. It is claimed that only 5% can read High Polish. While Water-Polish is spoken in the home, the younger generation prefers to speak German. In Rossberg, where the population is 80% Silesian Pole only ⅓ of the school children have elected to take Polish. 540,000 copies of German newspapers are printed daily in Upper Silesia as against 120,000 in Polish. (From personal observation: ⅘ of the notices on a bulletin board in Myslowitz were printed in Polish.)

Present Strength of the Movement.

Only ⅗ of the Silesian Poles are adherents of the National movement. During the elections to the National Assembly, the Posen Central Popular Council declared a boycott against voting; it is estimated that the total normal vote was reduced by 25–30%. This 25–30% representing 625,000–750,000 constitutes the entire following of the National Movement. The remaining 2/5 of the Silesian Poles are bitterly opposed to separation from Poland.

History of the Movement.

During the period from the reign of Frederick the Great to 1848 Upper Silesia was colonized by Germans and the industrial exploitation of the district began. The Silesian Pole became thoroughly Germanized, and was wholly indifferent to political matters.

1848 to 1872. The restrictions were removed and the Polish was taught in the schools. The Silesian Pole considered himself insulted if called a “Polack”.

1872–1900. In 1872, Bismark renewed the policy of repression. The teaching and preaching of Polish was forbidden. Protestant Bureaucrats were sent down from Berlin to govern Upper Silesia. Meanwhile the industries had developed, and labor was viciously exploited. During this period the national movement began, and was carried on by leaders from Posen.

1900–1919. Under Korfanty’s leadership the movement took on a radical character. In 1907, the party had five seats in the Reichstag. Separate political administration, separate schools etc. were demanded for the Silesian Poles.

Since the revolution, economic and political chaos and disillusionment as to the future of Germany have added impetus to the movement. Adolph Hoffmann’s proposition to separate Church and state involving the suppression of religious instruction, has alienated the Catholics.

It is claimed that the movement is not autochthonous, but has been imported from Posen; it has grown through the political mistakes of the Prussian.

Polish Propaganda.

The National Poles appeal to the national consciousness; The PPS incites economic agitation.

The propaganda promises 5 morgen of land (1 morgen=¼ hectare) and two cows to each man. The 6-hour day. Complete socialization of industry. Escape from taxes to pay war debts and indemnity. Supremacy of the Catholic religion. Food within a week after annexation.

Recently an aeroplane distributed anonymous fly-leaves over Laurahuette urging a general strike, desertion from the border guard and enlistment in the German-Polish army already 80,000 strong.

German arguments against annexation.

Upper Silesia has belonged to the Prussian crown since the reign of Frederick the Great.

The natural access is up the valley of the Oder.

40% of the population is pure German. Of the Silesian Poles only 3/5 or 30% of the total population is disloyal from selfish motives. The remaining 2/5 are intensely patriotic to Germany. General Hoefer stated that the Silesian Poles in his regiment were the best soldiers he had. The Protestants (7–8% of the population) and the Jews (20,000–20,000 [sic]) are unanimous against annexation.

The industrial organization is the product of many years of German capital, enterprise and genius. The Silesian Pole has had no part in it except as a common laborer.

The Pole is utterly incapable of creating or maintaining an industrial organization. The thousands of Poles who emigrated to the United States before the war were driven out by unendurable conditions at home. ⅓ of the Upper Silesian coal basin lies in Poland, but the only exploitation has been done by Germans. The German east Provinces have 11.8 km of railroad and 34.6 of highway to the 100 sq. km. Poland has 2.7 and 6.9 respectively. The average value of small holdings in Silesia is 2185 marks, per hectare in Poland 405 marks. In the phrase of one of the speakers: “Poland looks on Upper Silesia as a cow to be milked”.

The Bolsheviks are gaining complete control of Poland. They now hold Lodz, Bendzin, Modrzejow etc. The Russian Bolshevik army is within 60 km of Warsaw. The lot of the middle classes, especially the Jews, would be intolerable in case of annexation.

Comment.

(Personal Opinion) While the German figures as to the proportion of Silesian Poles and the strength of the Polish movement are undoubtedly less than the truth, there is, at least, a strong minority if not a majority of pure Germans and loyal Silesian Poles implacably opposed to separation from Germany.

The industries of Upper Silesia are wholly German, and are an essential factor in the German economy.

The representative[s] of the Mission were taken to a hill (Dreikai-serecke) overlooking the junction of the boundaries of Germany, Poland and Austrian Galicia, and the contrast between the high Kultur of Germany and the barbarism of Poland was pointed out. On one side of the Przemsa River was the town of Myslowitz with its great coal mining plant, apartments for laborers, hospitals and entertainment halls; on the other side, a miserable Polish village of peasants, hovels surrounded by uncultivated fields and forest land. Even discounting the view as panoramic propaganda and admitting that the terrain and Russian domination may have hindered development, the contrast was startling.

Military Situation.

No information as to the strength of the Polish forces was given. A considerable body of Polish legionaries are holding the border along the Przemsa River. The Polish Red Guard is holding the town of Modrzejow 1 km. from the bridge of Myslowitz.

No information was given as to the strength of the German forces. The 117th Grenzenschutz is stationed in the district. General Hoefer says that the troops are loyal and reliable and have resisted all efforts at corruption by Polish secret agents. The Germans are determined to resist invasion to the utmost.

The Germans accuse the Polish of provoking hostilities and breaking the armistice conditions. Minor engagements have been brought on by Polish incursions into Silesian territory at Kamin (East of Beuthen) and at Kattorski. On Feb. 24, there was firing across the bridge between Myslowitz and Modrzejow, and 1 German was killed.

Czech Claim to Upper Silesia.

The Czechs claim Ratibor and the surrounding country in the southern end of Upper Silesia on the ground that the population is Moravian. If, however, the Poles should gain possession of the industrial district, the Czechs would claim as against the Poles.

The Moravian population forms 4% of the total population of Upper Silesia—100,000. They are all Catholics. The principal territory inhabited by them is an agricultural district on the Galician border surrounding Hultschin. There is a coal mine in this district at Peterhoven.

The Moravians speak Moravian in the home and German generally. Until the revolution they were inclined to allow German to supplant their mother tongue.

The Czech movement is of recent origin, but has considerable following.

Respectfully submitted,

• Robert L. Black
• Albert H. Stonestreet

10. Not attached to file copy of this report.