Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-03-15
GERARD REPORTS
IN WASHINGTON
Former Envoy Says Germany
Will Carry Out Her U.
Boat Campaign.
INDIFFERENT TO U. S.
Food Condition In Germany ScriO1s'
bat Not CriticAl-7nik of Peace
Abandoned by TcutOns.

Washington. March lA-fcrmer AnbAS-
eador Gerard. fresh from Berlin, re-
ported to the state department to-day that
when he left tkero was every evidence
that Germany fllly Intended carrying out
her ruthless submarine campaign. regard
States. and that talk OF peace lad been
abandoned.
The former ambassador did not see
President Wilson because the President
still is confined to his room, but he con-
ferrcd at length with both Secretary Lam
sing and Councillor Polk and went over
with them in detail events leading to the
break in diplomatic relations between
Germany and the United States.
Mr.. Gerard reported that German Off
cals apparently considered the effects and
consequences of submarine ruthlessness
before proclaiming it, and as far as he
could learn were confident OF its success.
When he left Berlin. however. the cam
paign was only in its second week and the
Germans were still predicting the destruc-
ton of million tons of shipping month.
the amount admitted by Teutonic experts
to be essential for an effective starvation
blockade of England Since then, how
ever the average destruction has been
below half that.
Food conditions in Germany when Mr..
Gerard's party left were reported as SER
ious but not necessarily critical. This
question Is looked upon by the American
government as very important because OF
its bearing upon the possibility " further
peace moves by German@ 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 would make
his report to the government and would
not talk for publication. During the re-
mainder of the day and night he held
to this determination. He remained ove'
here tonight. and will go to New York
| late tomorrow In time for forma
reception to he rendered him there Fri
day.
The report made by the former am
bassador to the state department was
understood to deal particularly with thu
treatment accorded himself and othel
Americans following the break in diplo
matte relations. the efforts Of the German
government to get him to reaffirm the ole
|
general attitude of the German govern
ment and public towards submarine war
fare, peace and relations with the United
States and conditions In Germany.
| The department presented a scene Of
unusual activity with the many returned
diplomats who accompanied Mr.. Gerart
reporting to their superiors. Some of then
will he kept at the department and Others
will he given new posts
While officials are extremely anxious
TO learn the personal opinion of men fresl
from Germany, there is not the slightcs
disposition to feel that the internatona
situation can be affected in any wa.
at this time.
| Germany is believed to have shown her
self in the series Of sinkings such as thu
Laconia. the California and many others
including the American steamship. Algon
quin. reported to-day sunk without warn
ing. to be utterly unmindful Of the coun
try's rights or its possible participation
in the war.
Regarding food conditions. one of th'
best observers who has reported to th
state department in months said that -.
100000 people directly connected with th
army or government. another 100000
people in the rural population and abou
100000 wealthy people were we'll fed bu
that the balance about - 0oO 900 are in
serious plight.
Tire arrival OF NJ. Gerard revived hcpe
that he would be a candidate for mayo
of New York next fall or that he woul'
he Sent TO TOXIC tc sr..ceai the late Am
basAador Guthrie. He would discuss run
% tscee renorts to-day.