740.00/2026: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 8—4:50 p.m.]
751. From conversations with colleagues here during the past few days the impression is obtained that the accumulated tension of recent months is regarded as being concentrated now into a period covering the next few weeks. Many point to the next fortnight as the crucial time, some look to the latter half of September, but all are inclined to agree that owing to the technical problem of transporting the masses who are expected to attend the celebration of the anniversary of Tannenberg22 on August 27th and the Party Congress at Nuremberg which is scheduled to close on September 11th it is unlikely that any action requiring extensive use of railroad and other transportation will be launched by Germany from the latter part of August to the middle of September.
In spite of the impression of the imminence of a crisis the same uncertainty which has hitherto prevailed is noted as to the actual intentions which Hitler may have. Persons professing to be in a position to judge assert that Hitler does not want war, that he is fully aware of the possibilities of social and economic chaos inherent in a general conflict, that he does not believe that the solution of the Danzig problem alone is worth a general war, and finally, that although he is preparing for eventualities he has not yet reached a definite decision as to his course in the immediate future. This general view is also reflected among the diplomatic representatives of those countries openly or tacitly aligned with Germany. The situation which has been created, however, is recognized as one which in its present course points to climax but although conjecture is without limit no agreement seems to exist as to the test by which Hitler’s intent may at present be gauged or even as to the elements both within Germany and abroad which might combine in the formulation of that intent and direct its implementation.
[Page 206]In the meanwhile rumors circulate as to attempts which are being made towards palliative measures in the Danzig controversy in which Mussolini’s name is most frequently mentioned. In my conversations with my colleagues here, however, nothing definite along this line has been forthcoming and no indication has been given that efforts are being made to ease the general state of tension which is so acute that there is little inclination to regard the specific points of conflict immediately at issue as subjects for peaceful solution or to cooperate with a view to dealing with those individual issues at a time when the overwhelming possibilities now envisaged may be rendered more remote.
- Battle of Tannenberg, August 26–30, 1914.↩