THE AWAKENING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2810, 30 June 1916, Page 5

THE AWAKENING

ENEMY'S WAR SECRETS REVEALED "OUR SITUATION IS BAD." REMARKABLE STORY A DOLEFUL SURVEY (By Tclcgraph-Prcss Association-Copyright (Rec. June 80, 0.25 a.m.) New York, June 29. Tiie Paris "Journal" publishes the report of a secret German Council, obtained From a confidential document obtained by two deputies who attended tho meeting. At this meotiug Herr Von Bethmann-Hollweg (the German Chancellor) said: "Our situation is bad. If everything goes well, and if tho people will be satisfied with small results, we can last until March, 1917." Replying to tho Conservatives' demand for a resumption of unrestricted submarine operations, tho Chancellor added: "We have only 20 high sea submarines, divided into squadrons of five. Ono of these squadrons is always docked for repairs, and the others are necessary for coast defence." The Conservatives then demanded the instant building of more submarines. Admiral Von Capelle (Secretary to the Navy) replied: "Last year more submarines could not possibly be built, owing to tho shortage of certain metal." Tho Chancellor declared: "Not a day passes but I am visited, by Austro-Hun-garian or Turkish deputies, who threaten to conclude a separato peace unless we cease our submarine warfare. They fear that, after tho war-, the Allies and the United States will paralyse their oversea trade." Dr. Eelfferich (the Imperial Treasurer) remarked: "Financially, we can last through tho -war, but afterwards, bankruptcy is inevitable. Wo have already lost billions of murks in exchange." Dr. von Jagow (Foreign Minister) 6aid: "Of the Powers that we are not at war with, Spain is favourable to us; the Swedish Govornment has big business interests with us; Norway is hostile; tho Dnnish Ministry is with us, but the people of Denmark are against us; Holland is frankly pro-Ally;.Switzerland, though not exactly among our enemies, is rather against us. She lias been angered by the Conservatives' attitude on the submarine policy." Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg then banged his fist on tho table, and exclaimed: "Remember, gentlemen, wo have, only one means of salvation. Wo must detach France from her Allies. We must obtain a break-down of French confidenco at all costs." Thereupon the Conservatives demanded that a great blow should be dealt at France, no matter what sacrifices wore involved." ,

.The Chancellor pointed out that the greatest sacrifices wero being ■ made at Verdun without overcoming the French resistance.