Paris Peace Conf. 184.013102/39: Telegram
Brigadier General George H. Harries to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
[Received May 3—3:50 p.m.]
35. From Dresel. Recent interviews with a member of Independent Socialists and a member of Foreign Office of the pacifist and Independent views indicate belief that disposition of [Danzig?] obstacle to peace. They all declare that to put Danzig under Polish control, even if no annexation, will result in placing a powerful weapon in the hands of Nationalists, and will result in a storm of protests and permanent ill feeling throughout Germany. If for Polish control an Inter-Allied supervision which will safeguard German sovereignty is substituted, my informant states that in their view German Government would not be able to justify a rejection of the other terms of peace. I [Page 88] consider these opinions of considerable significance as Independents are almost universally in favor of acceptance and as their attitude has been open and straightforward on peace questions.
First medium of communication here was absolutely true. As no papers appeared since Wednesday night, no press comment on trial of Kaiser is obtainable. General view obtained in conversation is that, without [with?] the contempt in Berlin he is now held and the obscurity into which he is relapsing, it is unfortunate that a martyr should be made of him and that the reactionary party should be strengthened by the action contemplated. [Dresel.]