Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-03-15
TeutonS Expected Trouble
With United States and Had
Counted Cost, Returned
Ambassador Declares,
FOOD SITUATION IS
ADMITTEDLY SERIOUS
Expected Destruction of Mil
lion Tons per Month Of
Shipping Fails of ReaIiza-
ton by More Than Half.

Washington March 14.--Former
Ambassador Gerard, fresh from Ber-
lin, reported to the state department
that when he left there was every
evidence that Germany fully intended
carrying out her ruthless submarine
campaign, regardless of the prospect
of war with the United States and
that talk of peace had been aban-
doned.
The former ambassador did not see
President Wilson because the presi-
dent is still confined to his room, but
he conferred at length with both Sec.
lretary Lansing and Counsellor Polk
and went over with them in detail.
events leading to the break IN diplo-
matte relations between Germany and
the United States.
Figures Too High.
Mr.. Gerard reported that German
Iofficials apparently considered the con-
sequences of submarine ruthlessness
before proclaiming it and as far as
he could learn were confident of its
success. When he left Berlin, how
ever, the campaign was only in its
second week and the Germans were
still predicting the destruction of a
million tons of shipping month, the
amount admitted by Teutonic experts
to be essential for an effective star
walton blockade of England. Since
then, however, the average destruc
ton had been below half that.
Food Conditions Serious.
Food conditions in Germany when
Mr. Gerard's party left were reported
as serious, but not necessarily criti-
fral 10 al Ity
the American government as very i'm
portant 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 af,
ter noon and was met at the station
by group of officials. A formal
statement was given out by Mr.. Ge-
rard saying that he would make his
report to the government and would
not talk for publication. He will 60
to New York tomorrow for formal
reception to be rendered him there
Friday.
Tells of Detention.
The report made by the former am
bassador to the state department, was
understood to deal particularly with
the treatment accorded himself and
other Americans following the break
III diplomatic relations, the efforts OF
the German government to get him
TO re-atfirm the old treaty of 1928
with extensive changes, the general at
titude of the German government ana
public towards submarine warfare,
peace and relations with the United
States, and conditions in Germany.
The department presented a scene
of unusual activity with the many re-
turned diplomats who accompanied
Mr.. Gerard reporting to their su-
periors. Some of them will be kept at
the department and Others will be
given new posts.
Situation Unchanged.
While officials are extremely anXi-
Gus to learn the personal opinions OF
men fresh from Germany, there is not
the slightest disposition to feel that
the international situation can be af.
fected in any way at this time. Ger
many is believed to have shown her.
self in the series of sinkings such as
the Laconia, the California and many
others, including the American steam
ship Algonquin, reported today sunk
without warning, to be utterly un
mindful of the country's rights or it's
possible participation in the war.
20,OOO,00O People Hungry.
Regarding food conditions, one of
the best observers who has reported
to the state department in months
said that 20.000,000 people directly
connected with the army or govern
ment. another 10000, 900 people in the
rural population and about 10000
wealthy people are we'll fed, but that
the remainder, about 10000, 900. are
in a serious plight.