Paris Peace Conf. 184.013102/24: Telegram

Brigadier General George H. Harries to the Commission to Negotiate Peace 7

24. From Dresel. At the time of departure of delegates for Paris the (?) seems liberal and (?) likely to consider a pilgrimage to Canossa. The stubborn and uncomprehending attitude of the government in reference to question peace terms as fostered by propaganda and referred to both in press and interviews seeks to eloquently increase responsibilities, it appears to be:

1st.
To the desire to take a decided stand. In answer to criticisms the government has no fixed policy but is supervention and opportune I learn.
2nd.
To a hope to some extent encouraged by the Italian incident and Japanese attitude that the opposition of a first article from these may advance yet more cause dissension among the Allies.
3rd.
To a belief that the Entente is anxious for early peace in order to resume industrial and commercial activity.
4th.
To the conviction that neither military nor blockade measures can be effectively employed as it is thought that the unwillingness of the Allied armies to fight further will prevent the former and the public opinion will not support enforcement of the latter.
5th.
To the argument that an acceptance of unjust peace terms would mean a widespread of nationalistic and reactionary movement endangering the Republic. It seems therefore clear that elaborate protests are planned on all points involved including, as I have lately ascertained, an evasion of responsibility for the war. While many of the peace provisions would ultimately be conceded to ensure peace, all indications point to a categorical refusal of French control of the Sarre Basin, annexation of the Silesian coal fields and Polish control of Danzig.

I venture to draw attention to the sensitiveness of the government and of the delegates as to their probable treatment at Versailles. They evidently fear that they were likely looked on as Pariahs. In view of their excited and almost abnormal frame of mind I am convinced that as conciliatory an attitude as can be adopted towards them in nonessential matters may have important bearing on final result. Even insignificant concessions and the form in which distasteful demands are phrased will mean much to some of delegates. I believe therefore that latitude in such matters as material comforts, the widest liberty that can properly be afforded the delegates, occasions for informal intercourse, and ample opportunity to prepare and state their case, cannot fail to have a favorable effect.

My personal opinion, gathered from a large series of interviews, [Page 86] is that the present government will refuse to sign peace if the conditions are such as are stated in the press.

As regards the reaction on other parties of attitude outlined above, it is evident that all conservative parties, which now are often grouped under the name of Nationalists, are at one with the government in its policy of resistance. On the other hand the Independent Socialists with few exceptions entirely approve signing of peace conditions, even if severe, believing that injustice will be rectified by international action of the proletariat if not otherwise. They take their exclusion from the Peace Congress philosophically believing their hour is at hand whatever the outcome at Paris. I have not, however, been able to convince myself that an overthrow of the government is imminent in spite of the undoubted increase in strength of the Independent[s]. As long as the government has at its disposal the only organized military forces in Germany it will continue to have the support of the Bourgeoisie, the conservatives and very great numbers of people who see nothing ahead but bolshevism as an alternative for the present government. Changes in the Cabinet are not unlikely in view of the growing unpopularity, especially of Scheidemann and Landsberg and Noske, but it does not look as if the coalition still discussed between Majority and Minority Socialists has chance of (?) closest tie being.

The people at large are strangely apathetic on questions connecting with peace. A feverish desire to forget the trouble of the moment in amusements and dissipation is everywhere noticeable. Theatres, dance halls, gambling dens, and race tracks are crowded as never before. Cases of theft are of ever increasing occurrence. In view of a prominent attorney at law the greatest danger to the German people at the present moment is their cutting loose from authority and discipline. He considers this as more serious even than the bankruptcy state of German finances. It is difficult to see how a people in this frame of mind can be induced to make an honest and serious effort to carry out the peace conditions even if accepted by the government.

Harries
  1. The first part of this telegram is badly garbled.