d."

Some received cash, some were paid in interviews
with prominent officials, some received both,
before all was continually dangled the blue
ribbon--the hope of an interview with the
Kaiser--and some, thank God, were real Americans
and refused all the offered temptations--news or
money.

An American gentleman who lived for a time at this
hotel has given me a written statement which
throws a light on the activities of certain of
these gentry and which I may some day use. In this
he states how one of these gentlemen claimed that
the Imperial Chancellor always sent for him to
consult him on his attitude towards America and
that he had advised him to make a bold front and
bluff. Hence, perhaps the note of January
thirty-first which suddenly announced the ruthless
submarine war.

I have proof that one of this traitorous gang went
about Berlin personating me. What scheme he was
cooking up I do not know.

Zimmermann was particularly weak in being advised
by one of these shady individuals.

I think the German Government will allow Ford or any of his
angels to come here, but the Peace Ark seems pretty well wrecked.

Provincial and small newspapers are much more bitter against
America than the larger ones.

Von Jagow told me the other day that he thought the feeling here
against America was so bitter that, eventually, war would be
inevitable.

* * * * *

Received following anonymous letter:

"I am enabled to-day to give your Excellency news
of the utmost importance, Germany is at the end of
its forces and the Imperial Government is inclined
to make peace cost what may! One of the most
prominent and influential members of the Reichstag
has assured me, that the general conviction of the
parliament is dominated by the absolute necessity,
to pull back and to strive for peace as soon as
possible. The financial aspect given by Dr.
Helfferich is disastrous, the military situation,
taken in the whole, unsatisfactory and the
confidential information, given by Herr von Jagow
in the committee with regard to the Egyptian
expedition, discouraging if not hopeless. The
Government and particularly Herr von Bethmann wish
for peace, but believe themselves restrained by
public opinion and by the f