One thing greatly apprehended is some further move on the part of Pope which may further instigate people, already very tired and depressed, to decree for immediate peace. This I believe a real danger and most difficult to meet. I feel that a strong propaganda imperatively needed to counteract effect of the propaganda urging immediate peace proposals. NELSON PAGE File No. 763.72/7653 The Ambassador in Italy (Page) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] ROME, November 10, 1917, 3 p. m. [Received November 11, 12.15 a. m.] 1206. Both Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke most earnestly of the great aid that America would render cause if she declared war on Austria or sent troops here, even 5,000 men with the starry flag, as Orlando termed it, sent immediately would have great effect. Sonnino stated that the Germans have 300,000 men now thrown against Italy. He declared that Italy could not ask for troops because should America decline such a request it would have disastrous effect but he added that if America would meet this situation and offer troops, even 5,000 men with flag, it would be a beau geste and he declared that Italy and himself grateful for what we have already done. I feel that declaration of war with Austria, if it can be done, or a promise to send troops to unite with Italy and her allies in repelling Germans from Italy might prove the turning point of the war. Either would have enormous moral effect. NELSON PAGE File No. 763.72/7651 The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] STOCKHOLM, November 10, 1917, 1 p. m. [Received November 11, 11.45 a. m.] 965. I have information coming direct from Herman Leube, a member of the German Reichstag and on the Foreign Relations Committee, as follows: Leube said the democratization of Germany had made further progress by Count Hertling's refusal to accept office when advised by the Kaiser of his appointment and that the democratization of Germany was the basis of America's declaration of and the purpose of her war. For the first time in the history of Germany a Chancellor had notified the Kaiser that he would first require the confidence and support of the four different parties of the Reichstag before he would accept the appointment, but on Hertling submitting his program to their leaders they declined to give him their confidence. Two days after this the secretaries of state called a meeting of the leaders of the Reichstag in consequence of which Hertling was called before them and, at the meeting which took place, he was advised that he had their support, and the next morning he notified the Kaiser of his acceptance. Leube stated that Von Kühlmann would be very close to Hertling, no doubt as Foreign Minister, and would most likely be the Chancellor to succeed Hertling. Michaelis had been used merely as a stop-gap, as it was customary in Germany for an outgoing Chancellor to nominate a successor and when Bethmann Hollweg had stepped down he had nominated as Chancellor, Hertling. Leube still thought peace would be possible by the new year as he thought Russia was finished and the recent reversals in Italy, which he predicted would in the next three weeks be increased considerably owing to the untenable position of the Italian troops, would, when it became known to the people of Italy, either cause a revolution or separate peace with Germany. Leube stated that Germany had no desire for war with Italy and wished no indemnity or territory from them. He further said that the Italian Army consisted of about 1,500,000 men, and not 3,000,000, and of this one-third had already been smashed. He said that withdrawal of 750,000 German troops from Russia and Italy hurled against a new position not yet defined on the western front would also have a tremendous bearing on the war; that France was also tired of the war and the withdrawal of Italy and Russia would have such an effect upon France that possibly by Christmas England would be bearing the brunt of the burden which he did not think they would be willing to do. He stated that there were at present 2,100,000 prisoners of war in Germany, of which 300,000 were in camps, the balance scattered throughout the Empire doing work. Leube said that Germany was at present in excellent condition, bounteous crops of Servia and Roumania had given them plenty of food and plenty of meat was procurable throughout Germany as cattle breeding had been very good with large returns. Benzine and oil were plentiful. MORRIS File No. 763.72119/8261 The Secretary of the Special Mission (Auchincloss) to the Secretary For Polk: of State [Telegram] LONDON, November 11, 1917, 8 p. m. [Received 10.35 p. m.] Conferences in Paris postponed until November 22. We remain here for another week at least and do not return here after leaving. Prime Minister and military authorities return first of this week. Conferences proceeding satisfactorily. Members of the commission are making very favorable impression according to Wiseman. Balfour says our visit could not have come at better time. McCormick and Taylor very anxious to see ministers to northern neutrals. Please answer to our cable. Advise family well. AUCHINCLOSS, File No. 862.20261/28 The Secretary of State to the Consul at Tiflis (Smith) No. 106 WASHINGTON, November 12, 1917. SIR: The Department acknowledges the receipt of your despatch of October 4, 1917, No. 66,1 on the subject of propaganda among the Kurdish tribes. As the purpose of your suggestion appears to be the organization of an uprising against the Turks, with whose Government the United States is not at war, it is not possible for the Department to approve the interesting plan which you suggest. I am [etc.] For the Secretary of State: File No. 763.72/7690 The Ambassador in Italy (Page) to the Secretary of State 1213. For information. [Telegram] ROME, November 12, 1917, 5 p. m. I learn from British Ambassador that he has received sort of circular instruction from British Minister 'Ante, p. 294. for Foreign Affairs saying that his Government feels that closer and more confidential relations should exist between the British Embassies and those of the United States. NELSON PAGE File No. 763.72/7702 The Serbian Minister (Michailovitch) to the Secretary of State WASHINGTON, November 12, 1917. [Received November 13.] EXCELLENCY: The Royal Serbian Government, with the intention to greet the entry of the United States into the war against Germany, the common enemy, and to thank her for the financial help extended by the Government of the United States to the Serbian Government for the successful prosecution of the war, sends a special mission to Washington, which is to be composed of Dr. Milenko Vesnitch, Minister Plenipotentiary in Paris, chief of the mission; Mr. Sima Lozanitch, former Minister of Agriculture; General Michailo Rachitch, representative of Serbian General Headquarters to French General Headquarters; Reverend Nicolai Velimirovitch, representative of the Serbian Red Cross; Lieutenant Colonel Nenadovitch; Captain Yovitchitch; and one attaché of Legation. The mission will sail from France on November 17, for New York.1 In communicating this to you, I place myself at your disposal for any further information you may require. I beg to renew [etc.] L. MICHAILOVITCH File No. 763.72/7653 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Italy (Page) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, November 15, 1917, 1 p. m. 970. Your Nos. 1205 and 1206 regarding the Italian situation have had the President's earnest consideration. Your reports go to Colonel House for use in the conference of cobelligerents. The heart of the American nation is in keen sympathy with the Italian people. Our people have confidence in their Italian brethren. We realize that the Italians possess in a remarkable degree the 1 1By a note of Nov. 13 (unnumbered), the sailing date was changed to Nov. 24, and in another note of Nov. 15 (unnumbered), the Minister stated that the mission's departure had been indefinitely postponed on account of the meeting of the Inter-Allied Conference (File Nos. 763.72/7722, 7751). The mission arrived in the United States, Dec. 20. strength to achieve, the will to dare, and the patient skill to aid their strength and will to win. Our representatives in the present conference are keenly alive to Italy's needs and are inspired with the determination to leave no effort unessayed whereby America may advance our common cause against the common enemy of free mankind. LANSING The Organization at Rapallo of the Supreme War Council, November 7; Agreement of the United States to Take Part-Peace Overtures from the Central Empires-American Assurances to Rumania File No. 763.72Su/ The British Embassy to the Department of State MEMORANDUM Under instructions from the British Prime Minister, the British Embassy have the honour to make the following secret communication: 1 At a conference held at Rapallo on the 7th instant, of the British. French and Italian Governments, the following scheme of organization of a Supreme War Council with a permanent military representative from each power, was adopted: 1. With a view to the better coordination of military action on the western front, the Supreme War Council is erected composed of the Prime Minister and a member of the Government of each of the great powers whose armies are fighting on that front. The extension of the scope of the council to other fronts is reserved for discussion with the other great powers. 2. The Supreme War Council has for its mission to watch over the general conduct of the war; it prepares recommendations for the decision of Governments and keeps itself informed of their execution and reports thereon to the respective Governments. 3. The general staffs and military commands of the armies of each power, charged with the conduct of the military operations, remain responsible to their respective Governments. 4. The general war plans drawn up by the competent military authorities are submitted to the Supreme War Council which, under the high authority of the Governments, ensures their concordance and submits, if need be, any necessary changes. 5. Each power delegates to the Supreme War Council one permanent military representative whose exclusive function is to act as technical adviser to the council. 'Before this memorandum was received by the Department the portion describing the proposed council had been made public. |