862.00/846: Telegram
The Commissioner at Berlin (Dresel) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received March 20—12:25 p.m.]
203. Commission here, as well as Entente representatives, have been approached by persons in touch with the Government who state that a vigorous declaration by the Entente against conditions of lawlessness and anarchy and in support of the forces of law and order coupled with a statement that turbulent conditions would preclude such measures of relief as are in contemplation might save the present situation which they consider as extremely critical. The British strongly favor an immediate pronouncement of this nature and Kilmarnock15 has already made an informal statement to Acting Chancellor.
French will not join unless specifically instructed and Italian and Belgian representatives are likely to follow French lead.
In my opinion the effect of a declaration of this kind would be beneficial and would have a tendency to strengthen the present Government which appears to be the only agency capable of preventing a state of utter chaos. I strongly recommend therefore, that a statement should be issued and that I should be authorized to communicate it to the German Government for publication here. In view of the possible emergency which it might be necessary to meet very shortly, I believe a separate statement by the United States is advisable rather than an attempt to put a joint statement through the Council of Ambassadors at Paris. Shall appreciate the earliest reply possible.
- Lord Victor A. S. H. Kilmarnock, British Chargé d’Affaires at Berlin.↩