Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-11-19

GILMAN UNuH-StCktlMI
STATE IN 1916 f0RESAW
AMERICAS STAND N WAR
Berlin, Nov. 1s-(By the Ascot
ated Press)-Dr. Heinrich Albert.
German under secretary Of state.
and formerly q commercial! attache
in the German embassy at Washing
ton. predicted in 1916 with accuracy
what decisive effect Americas entry
into the world war would have.
A report which he made at that
time to the German government
read today before the SUBJ committee
of the National Assembly investigat-
ing war responsibility, gave clear
warning OF the feeling in the United
States. of Americas efficiency, of
her financial powers. and OF her in
tenseleanings toward the entente,
and declared that, in case of Amer
ica's participation. neutral nations
would side with America; the psy-
Geological effect would be felt at
once; it would be a national misfor-
tune, and Germany would be defeat
ed"
DR.. Albert asserted then that Am.
erica could raise several army corps.
and that she could effectively sup
port the allies with huge loans; that
the La Fayette flying squadron,
that dangerous branch of warfare"
without doubt. would be vastly
strengthened. and that Americas
transportation would be efficient and
capable Of increase.
Field Marshal Won Hindenburg.
who was the star witness today,
said:
Il know with absolute certainty
that neither the people. the Kaiser
nor the government desired war, for
the government knew better than
others Germany's tremendously diff
ficult position in a war against the
entente"
Germany's defensive strength. said
the field marshal, was as unfavorable
as possible from the start. 1t might
be left to history to decide why
Germany's peace policy had failed.
IF the military authorities pre-.
pared for the possibility Of an un.
avoidable war;" continued Won HIM
denburg. that was only its duty
towards the nation. II there had
been solid, united cooperation be-
tween army and homeland we could
have attained victory.
While with the enemy. notwith-
standing his superiority, all parties
were united ever more firmly in the
determination to be victorious, with
us, although We were numerically In
ferior. interests at home made their
influence felt, and this state of at
fairs led to the breaking Of the
way to victory"
In all great decisions Ludendorff
and himself were Of one mind and
had worked in full accord from Au-
gust 20, 1916. to the end.
1--WE considered unrestricted sub
marine war imperative Immediately
we entered the supreme command"
said the field marshal. when 1917
came we could not longer permit our
gallant soldiers to be bombarded with
American ammunition, and their
wives and children starved by the
blockade. The U-boat war was the
only means to oppose those condi-
TONS"
Won Hindenburg and Ludendorff
found the corridors leading to the
committee room crowded to the doors
with admirers and others, who by
diverse means had obtained admis-
sion. On the witness stand reposed
a bouquet tied with the German coll
ors.
Deputy Gothein, president Of the
SUBJ committee, held a reception and
thanked the field marshal, who re-
piled that he was glad to come. be-
cause it was his duty, especially to
appear with my true comrade."
An enthusiastic reception was Civ
en- Field Marshal Won Hindenburg,
General Ludendorf and DR.. Karl
Helfferich, former 1ice chancellor.
when they arrived today.
AS the trio reached the building,
escorted by mounted troops. the
crowd broke through the Gordon IN
a demonstration Of cordial welcome.
DIR. Helfrich again was fined 900
marks this afternoon for refusing
to answer a question put to him by
Deputy Cohen. The question was
as to his opinion whether England
could have been starved out by the
U-boat warfare.
Helfrich declined to reply or pay
the fine, and the committee immedi-
ateIv went into executive aessiop
Major Luetzow. who. 1t Is under
stood. was arrested for instigating
the Won HindenbuFg demonstration.
has been held as a military prisoner.