New-York tribune., 1919-11-19
Hindenburg
Lays Defeat to
Folk at Home
Continued from page I

read. The second was by far the most
lntere sting, for it embodied long Ca
BILE reports Of Secretaries Haniel and
Albert from America, under date of
1916, describing as experts what the
effect Of the submarine war would be.
These reports were unusually clear in
their warning.
HanieIs report was read first. In it
he said America, despite it's business
sense and it's English, and, to some ex-
tent, French, ties, was at heart senti-
mental, and that numbcrless Ameri-
cans with whom he had talked were
agreed that il Germany began U-boat
warfare they would go to war, whereas
If Germany ceased it they would COM
pei England to remove the blockade
Any relaxation of Germanys promises
made IN 1916 meant war with America.
IN the opinion of all intelligent Ger
mans in America, said the report
National feeling had grown enor-
mously, and America, already on the
side of civilization, feared the U-boat
danger less than it wanted to be on
the side of the EJtente Herr Haniel
was firmly convinced that war with
America would result from U-boat war
fare. after which Americas supplies of
money, material and food would be
enormous.
Alberts Report Stronger
Secretary Albert reported more
strongly even in his communication Of
November 6, 1916, when the U-boat
warfare had not yet been agreed upon
and there had been no question Of
recalls ling the boats.
"lf Germany can beat England" he
Q a hon ii lro
no difference. But thus far our boats
have been unable to sink the large
armed British merchantmen. The block
ade of England would have to last
a long time and be supported Loyalty,
and if Japan can be induced by Eng
land to keep its fleet at home Amer
Ica has the possibility Of sending it's
ships to European waters.
Admits Americas Strength
"America can raise at least several
army corps, and strength ening OF the
Entente forces would result. It would
be most important in economic ques-
.ions and would encrgctically support
its allies with no telling what huge
IS ~ der to Influence tie c.
thusiasm in America. Witness the
tAi4-eric-.ns who came to France AID
created the Lafayette flying squadron
A'''. usiHSciouS oIdIcn o. warfare
would be surely vastly strengthened.
"Amerca's transportation without
doubt would be efficient and capable
Of increase, and if America feels safe
rom Japan she will throw all her
ammunition to France.
"Not to forget the wonderful Ameri-
can automobile industry, the giant
Ford factories and other machines
which would help in winning the war.
"Neutrals would side with America.
The psychological effect would be felt
at once. 1t would be national mis-
fortune, and. at the end, Germany
would be sure to be defeated"
In his testimony General Ludendorff
said that the high command first re-
Trained from beginning the U-boat cam
pagn because the Chancellor at that
time feared an attack by Holland and
Denmark, owing to the pressure of
Great Britain, and there were then 40
troops to meet new enemies.
Skeptical of Mr.. Wilson
The high command was skeptcal re-
sarding President Wilson's peace move,
but expressed approval of this, and
also approved Germany's peace roove,
and cndeavored not to thwart political
peace steps. He always had REGARDED
Count Won Bernstorif's activities as
sympathetic. He believed that Won
Bernstorff had not furnished the Chan
celor with correct information. This
impression was strengthened when Won
Bernstortf told the committee yester-
day that America could only have been
held aloof from the war by intrustin,
President Wilson with the role of in
bor