Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-06-25
Exposure Of German
Attitude on Russia
St;rs All Diplomats
by James o,Donnell Bennett.l

ing from the Hoffman, Grimm Oder
memorandum purporting to come by
way of Swiss channels to Russia.
Translators were instantly set to WORK
on it.
Both entente and American diplo-
matte circles resent the Swiss minis.
ter's mediation in the matter. From
another diplomatic source came this
remark:
"A vigorous entente protest seems
inevitable. You probably know the
Swiss minister to Berlin was lately re-
called at the ententes request
The Aftonblad's Haparanda CORE
spondent says Oder, Swiss minister to
Petrograd, has been recalled as the re-
suit of the Hoffman, Grimm affair.
How the memorandum, which was in
cipher, was unearthed and translated
remains unexplained.
Two Views Are Presented.
Some say the Swedish socialist DEM
ocrat, Branting, has far reaching and
secret European political connection
which enabled him to obtain a copy.
Others think Toffmans telegram en-
bodying the text which went from
Berne to Petrograd via Stockholm may
have been held up in Stockholm a few
hours for discussion by important per-
sons assembled here.
In any case, not since Zimmermann's
Mexican propaganda has any docu-
mentary exposure of the war created
such excitement among diplomats
hereabout
The contents of the Hoffmann-
Grimm Odier memorandum are taken
seriously by statesmen and newspaper
men It is believed the memorandum
constitutes an absolutely authentic ex-
preston of Germany's attitude toward
Russia.
1t is known the Swiss social demo-
crat. Arthur Grimm, went thru Petro-
grad entrusted with permission OF
bringing Russian social democrats over
to the so-called Zimmerwald platform
and in this he had great measure or
success.
Acting as an Intermediary.
Il seems that Oflier Of Berne, now
Swiss minister to Russia, was also rep
resenting this Swiss social democratic
peace propaganda in Petrograd. Some
say that he constantly was in closest
touch with Swiss Foreign Minister
Hoffman,, who was practically acting
as an intermediary between the Ger
man government and Grimm and the
Russian social democrats.
III three statesmen concerned are
Swiss. Eduard Oder is the Swiss min
lister to Petrograd and regarded by
entente diplomats as pro-German.
Hoffman, is a member of the Swiss
federal council. When l asked whether.
Hoffman, had bad reputation, one
diplomat replied, tHe has German
reputation and Is considered an anti
Russian by US"
Robert Grimm is the president Of
the Zimmerwald group and is said to
have been one Of the originators Of tho
Kronstadt uprising. Entente states
men describe him as fanatical So
ciaIist In May he plotted $50 Russian
political refugees exiled by the old re-
gime out Of Switzerland into Russia
via Stockholm.
Word Considered Significant.
The HOFFMAN, message to Oder in
Petrograd begins: You may give the
following oral Instructions to Grimm"
1t is pointed out the word ''Instruc-
lions" is used explicitly by Holm ann,
Swiss foreign misister, to Oder, Swiss
minister to Petrograd. instead Of a
less emphatic word, information" or
communication" Then came the fol-
lowing propositions:
First-Germany will undertake no
offensive against Russia as long as an
agreement with Russia is thinkable
Second-After having had repeated
conversations with a prominent person
am OF the opinion Germany is striv-
ing for peace with Russia, honorable
and generous to both parties, and fur
ther for intimate economic, commercial
and financial assistance in order to
bring Russia to its feet
Third-Germany is not going to in
terfere In internal Russian conditions.
Fourth-Germany desires to come to
a friendly understanding with Russia
concerning Poland. Lithuania and
Courland with due regard to the
sympathies and kinship existing be-
tween those peoples.
Restitution to Russia.
Fifth-Germany will make restitu
ton to Russia OF occupied provinces.
for which Russia as compensation
shall give back those parts Of Austria
Hungary it has occupied.
Hoffman, concludes, II am quite
sure Germany and it's allies stimuli
taneously would be able to start ne
gotiat!ons with Russia Il 1t We're not
for the allies of Russia
"As regards Germany's war aims,
read what was published in the North
German Gazette. That paper has, af-
ter discussion with Won Bethmann-
Hollweg regarding annexations. said
Germany does not wish to increase It's
territory with a view of aggrandize-
ment or any economic or political ex-
pansion."
In Copenhagen, Staunings, social
democrat, cabinet minister without
portfolio. has created serious crisis
in the Danish cabinet thru his private
participation in the prelminaries OF
the social democrat peace conference
in Stockholm. Staunings' resignation
is being demanded by the conserva-
tives.
The italian situation is said to de-
serve keen watching. One Stockholm
bank received advices to look sharp to
its Italian affairs
Woman Hsppisst At Forty.
The happy. joyous age Of womankind
is not sweet 16, neither is it Is nor 80,
L.. - ~ -