would not accept the resolution as coming from the
entire country. Certainly the great majority in Germany, counting them
per head, supported the resolution but the leading men, together with
a considerable following, were opposed to it. The "Starvation Peace,"
the "Peace of Renunciation," and the "Scheidemann Peace" were the
subjects of articles in the papers expressing the greatest disapproval
of the resolution. Neither did the German Government take up any
decided attitude. On July 19 the Imperial Chancellor Michaelis made a
speech approving the resolution, but adding "as I understand it."

The Imperial Chancellor wrote a letter to me in August confirming his
very optimistic views of the situation, and defining Germany's views
regarding Belgium. The phrase, "as I understand it," above alluded to
in his approval of the resolution, was explained in his letter, at any
rate, as to the Belgium question: "As Germany wishes to reserve to
herself the right to exercise a far-reaching military and economic
influence on Belgium." He wrote as follows:--

_Berlin, August 17, 1917._

DEAR COUNT CZERNIN,--According to our agreement, I take the
liberty briefly to lay before you my views of our discussions of
the 14th and 15th inst., and would be extremely grateful if Your
Excellency would be so kind as to advise me of your views on my
activities.

The internal economic and political situation in Germany justifies
me in the firm belief that Germany herself would be able to stand
a fourth year of war. The bread-corn harvest promises better than
we thought five or six weeks ago, and will be better than that of
the previous year. The potato harvest promises a considerably
higher yield than in 1916-17. Fodder is estimated to be much less
than last year; by observing a unified and well-thought-out
economic plan for Germany herself and the occupied territories,
including Roumania, we shall be in a position to hold out with
regard to fodder, as was also possible in the very dry year 1915.

There is no doubt that the political situation is grave. The
people are suffering from the war, and the longing for peace is
very great; however, there is no trace of any general and really
morbid exhaustion, and when food is controlled any work done will
be no worse than it was last year.

This economic and political prospect can only be altered if the
condition of the Allies, or of the neutrals, unde