Paris Peace Conf. 184.01202/44

Major Arnold Whitridge to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

No. 5

Subject: Political situation.

1.
There are forwarded with today’s translations the program for the ministry laid before the National Assembly by Scheidemann,4a and [Page 15] Count Brockdorff-Rantzau’s speech on Germany’s foreign policy;5 also a report received yesterday from Dr. Field in Munich.5a
2.
In accordance with your telegraphic instructions received yesterday, I have got into touch with the French Mission under General Dupont. In their opinion the present government is growing more and more reactionary. They consider that the provisional constitution, of which a copy will be forwarded to you by the next courier, will give the head of the government powers almost as unlimited as those held by the Kaiser. They also state that there has been a considerable change in the temper of the government since their arrival in December. At that time it was actually suggested that it would be a good thing if the Allies would occupy Berlin and protect the city from Bolshevism. Since then, as General Dupont expressed it, “ils sont devenus beaucoup plus fiers.” Captain Gherardi will be able to give the Peace Commission further information as to the opinions of the French Mission.
3.
From a conversation yesterday with a Dr. Schotte, who came to see me at Bernstorff’s instigation, it would appear that Germany claims northern Silesia on economic rather than racial grounds. He stated that the Poles would never develop the coal mines in northern Silesia with the same efficiency as the Germans and that in the interest of the world’s coal production northern Silesia should be left under German jurisdiction.
4.
The press comments on Brockdorff-Rantzau’s speech indicate that it is thought to be very broadminded. Germany expects that her delegates will come to the Peace Conference, not as representatives of a defeated country, but as statesmen who expect to assist in the reconstruction of Europe. Wilson’s 14 points are regarded as Germany’s greatest safeguard.
A. Whitridge
  1. Not printed.
  2. Infra.
  3. Not printed.