ROOSEVELT’S WAY.

Taihape Daily Times, 8 December 1917, Page 7

ROOSEVELT’S WAY.

ULTIMATUM THAT MADE THE GERMANS CLIMB DOWN. Mr Roosevelt, at a luncheon here, related, for the first time his version of the secret conferences, between himself and the German Ambassadors in 1908, regarding Germany’s proposal to ‘‘temporarily occupy Venezuela,” which threatened war between the United States and Germany. Mr. Roosevelt ( then President) sent for the German Ambassador, and demanded a statement as to what Germany meant by “temporary possession,” adding, “ I do not propose to have any ninety-nine year leases.” “The Ambassador,” went on Mr. Roosevelt, “said he did not feel at liberty to discuss such an important question and the conference broke up with the following ultimatum: “Tell your Government that it must arbitrate the matter in ten days, or I will send Admiral Dewey there.” “The Ambassador replied: ‘I cannot sent such a message, and I don't think you know what it means.” “You think it means war,’ I asked “'I don’t want to say what I think,” the Ambassador replied. “If it means Avar,’ I said, 'you have chosen the one spot where you can’t fight us,’ and showed him on the map the commanding position. “When the Ambassador had retired I ordered Admiral Dewey, to bo ready to sail at an hour’s notice. A Aveek later the Ambassador returned and said he had not dared to send my message, I then told him I would order Admiral DoAvey to sail Avithin 48 hours “He said: 'lt will be an aAvful thing for your country. Within 3G hours the Ambassador said he had received instructions that Germany Avould arbitrate. ’ ’