New-York tribune., 1919-04-23
Scheme of Berlin
To Use the u. S. i'm
Peace Trick Shown
Hypocritical Assurances of
Desire to End Conflict
Made to Washington in
1916 Are Disclosed Now
Nem YORK. Tribune
Washington BureOu

WASHINGTON, April % 1t was
disclosed to-day that the German gov
crnment attempted to make use of the
United States in an insnccrc peace
movement in November and December,
1916, after having succcsslvcly failed in
its efforts to induce the Pope, Spain,
Holland and Switzerland to undertake
measures looking toward negotiated
peace between the Central Empires and
the Entente Allies.
In approaching the United States, the
German government made certain rep
reservations to Ambassador Gerard to
be transmitted to Washington and also
employed Ambassador Bernstorff. The
Berlin authorities neglected, however,
to define their position in regard to
Alsacc Lorraine, Belgium and the
question of reparations, and required
a free hand in the East.
Officials here did not regard the rep
resentations made by Germany as be-
ing frank and honest, and their opin-
ion was supported by the attitude as
sumed by Ambassador Bernstorff, who,
while sincerely opposing submarine
warfare and urging his government not
to practice it in an unrestricted man
ner, talked peace with several person
ages, making it appear that Germany's
terms were liberal, but stating ndefin-
tic terms differently to several per-
sons. He always left loophole en-
abling him to say, if necessary, that
he was not authorized to speak for his
government Bcrpstorff vas regarded
at the time as having n trucr ms ght
into the situation tnan his government,
and was given credit for realizing what
resumption Of ruthless submarine war
fare would mean.
The Germop rOyorruCnt i u,aa
learned to-day, was surprised when
the United States refused to nccept its
suggestion that American merchant
vessels be specially marked and carry
no ammunition.
The Berlin Foreign Office had
thought The suggestion would be gro.e-
fully received and that it was doing the
United States favor in asserting, un-
der such conditions, 70 grant immunity
from attack TO American boats.
1t also was disclosed that gossip,
supported by what is believed TO be
evidence, revealed that in December
1916, the German Admiralty drew up
n plan of submarine warfare which
was approved by Ludendorf and reuct-
antly by the Kaiser. The instruc-
tions werc taken to the German sub
marine base and exhibited in the
original to the commanders, although
tISy were HOL permitted TO retain cop
les. These instructions we're taken
to prove Cermany's infdelity in hei
peace efforts.
IN most Of the German approaches
10 the United States with the plea
that The American government try e.
persuade the bellieerent nations to en-
ter upon peace negotiations. the Fer
lin authorities proposed an Impossible
Pt6viso TO tbs efFeet TINT The thled
STATES induce the tntehe Allies n
dssisf from certain practices.
fofussd 10 discuss win Germany VI,
relations betHeau America and othei
powefs, and 50 informed ibe Gefma,
Foreign Dftiee during tbe correspond
eDen IN feg8fd 10 the RusseN easA
Neither dntlog these discussions no,
o. any other time, II ls learned, did
Germany exhibit good faith,