The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-01-02
LETS Be FRIENDS
SAYS HIhDEhbURG.
TO UNITED STATE


many.
! ..Now that the war is over, I sin
cerely trust the two nations may be-
come friends again." he said.
The interview took place in general
German army headquarters at Casset.
!. in the Prussian province OF Hesse.
about half way between the western
border and Berlin.
On the day I arrived, Hindenburg
was out Of the city. I was received
by General Groener. successor to
Iudendorff as next in command to
Hindenburg.
The next morning Hindenburg was
stu absent, and I vas prepared to
give up the idea Of interviewing him,
and resume my journey to Berlin.
I was eating lunch in the Cassel
Hotel when courier came from head
quarters saying Hindenburg had re-
turned, and would talk to me at
o'clock.
Hindenburg sent an automobile
which conveyed me to headquarters.
located in big hotel in the same
grounds as the ex-kaiser's summer
palace, a mile outside the city.
There were no signs OF the revosu-
ton around headquarters.
Iron discipline prevailed.
On the walls huns oil portraits OF
the ex-kaiser and other Hohenzollern
rulers.
At exactly 4 O'Clock a German ma
Jor led the way to Hindenburg's pri-
vate office.
Hindenburg, standing near a big
fireplace, came forward quickly, shook
hands and addressed me through an
Interpreter in German.
Tell me first, how did you get
here%'
eve just passed through your lines
from the western front in an automo-
bile. Nobody stopped u.s."
Hindenburg smiled.
"Just like you Americans" he said
While he drew up chairs, took the
opportunity to study him.
Vigorous Despite His Age-72
He looked tired and careworn. but
physically vigorous. despite his IL
years.
He is big limbed, with an enormous
head and bushy hair. his large mouth,
partly hidden by thick mustache.
He is not so stern and forbidding as
I had expected.
Hindenburg said:
"You must appreciate why these are
sad days to me. Our great army
fought bravely, but was forced to quit
Before the constantly growing super
iority of enemy numbers.
1T offered my services to the new
government, feeling 1t my patriotic
duty to remain in my present position
until rehabilitation is completed in
an orderly fashion.
AFTER that I propose to seek retire.
ment.
IT am convinced that have done
my full duty to the fatherland."
Hindenburg detailed how Germany
was fulfilling the terms of the armis-
tice.
1.-THE hardest feature is the 'deliv-
cry of so many locomotives, cars and
motortrucks," he said.
"The food situation throughout the
country is already critical. because
bad crops have deceased our impor-
tations of grain from Russia, Poland
and Rumania. Surrendering SO much
rolling stock to the allies makes 1t
a harder task transporting food sup
plies to the big centers where they
are Most needed, and increases our
suffering
Won't Talk About the Kaiser.
I acked Hindenburg If he thought
the ex-kaiser would ever get the
throne back again.
81 concern myself with military at
fairs, not with politics. he said.
Concerning Germany's future mill
tary plans, he answered.
THAT is matter for the new gov
eminent to decide. I cannot speak
for them"
Then he made his plea for American
friendship, adding:
81 have always been great adj
-mirer of Gen. Robert e. Lee, both as
a man and a soldier"
General Groener proved more talk
alive than Hindenburg.
II myself saw many years the COM
ing Of the present revolution. and re-
peatedly warned the old government,
but my advice was not Needed he
said. Now 1 find myself appointed
bankruptcy receiver for the nation"
Like many other old army officers
am cooperating with the present
government, believing it the only way
the country can escape Bolshevism.
General Won Hindenburg and my
self are in complete harmony with the
Ebert government in Berlin.
''Liebknecht's policies would ruin
Germany. The South German states
would split with the north. 1 believe
we should have parliamentary govern
ment."
Groener predicted Germany would
adopt a military system like Switzer-
lands, with small standing army
but training Of all males.
"Aiiies Crowded U.s."
I'm the latter days of the war Ger
many's military strength was greatly |
overestimated," he said.
1.-THE allies crowded the German |
armies into a narrow bottle, SO that |
our lines OF communication were in
sufficient for our army's needs.
Nobody denies we lost theFwar.
I think. however, that the tarmis-
tice was not drawn up altogether In |
accordance with President wilson's
ideas, but by persons unfamiliar with