The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-03-15
DETERMINED TO
CARRY THROUGH
JT-BOAT WARFARE
Former Ambassador Gerard's Report to
State Department on His Return
to Washington--Talk of Peace
Abandoned in Berlin.

Washington, ID. c., March l5.-Former
Ambassador Gerard, fresh from Berlin
reported to the state department yes
terday that when he left there was ey-
cry evidence that Germany fully intend
ed carrying out her ruthless submarine
campaign, regardless of the prospect of
war with the United States, and that
talk of peace had been abandoned.
The former amba ssador did not see
President Wilson because the president
still is confined to his room, but he CON
ferred at length with both Secretary
Lansing and Counsellor Polk and went
over with them in detail events leading
to the break in diplomatic relations be-
tween Germany and the United States.
Mr.. Gerard reported that German Off
cials apparently considered the effects
and consequences of submarine ruthless
ness before proclaiming it, and as far as
he could learn were confident Of its sue
cess. When he left Berlin, however, the
campaign was only in its second week
and the Germans were still predicting
the destruction OF million tons of ship
ping a month, the amount admitted by
Teutonic experts to be essential for an
effective starvation blockade of England.
Since then, however, the average de-
str,iction has been below half that.
Food conditions in Germany when Nj.
Gerard's party left were reported as se-
rious, but not necessarily critical. This
question is looked upon by the American
government as very important because
of its bearing upon the possibility OF
further peace moves by Germany in the
near future.
The former ambassador arrived here
from Key West, Fla, shortly after noon,
and was met at the station by group
of officials, including Counsellor Polk,
and Assistant Secretary Phillips of the
state department; Secretary McAdoo,
Secretary Tumulty and Senator Hughes
of New Jersey. A formal statement was
given out by Mr.. Gerard saying he uould
make his report to the government and
would not talk for publication. During |
the remainder of the day and night he
held this determination.
The report made by the former ambas-
ssdor to the state department. was un-
ierstood to deal particularly with the |
treatment accorded himself and other |
Americans following the break in diplo-
matte relations, the efforts of the German
to get him to reaffirm the
DID treaty of 1928 with extensive
,hanges, the general attitude of the Ger
man government and public towards sub
marine warfare, peace and relations with
she United States and conditions in Ger
many.
The department presented a scene of
unusual activity with the many returned
diplomats who accompanied Mr.. Gerard
.eporting to their superiors. Some of
hem will be kept at the department and
,thers will be given new posts.
While officials are extremely anxious
o learn the personal opinion of men
resh from Germany, there is not the
lightest disposition to feel that the in
ernational situation can be effected in
my way at this time.
Germany is believed to have shown
lerself in the series Of sinkings such as
he lAconia. the California and many
hip, Algonquin, reported yesterday sunk
Without warning. TO be utterly unmind- ,
ul of the eountrys rights or its possible
anticipation in the war.
Regarding conditions. one of the best
bservers who has reported to the state
apartment in months said that 90 ,
10000 people directly connected with =,
he army or government, another 90
90. 1000 people in the rural population
nd about S,000,0o0 wealthy people were I
'ell fed but that the balance, about 20,-
o0. 600 are in serious plight.