File No. 763.72115/2774
The Ambassador in Turkey ( Elkus ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 16, 10 a.m.]
2400. My 2395, January 9, 2 p.m.1 At interview with German Ambassador he stated he also was informed of intended Greek deportation, German Consul at Samsun having reported that Russians had furnished deserters from Turkish Army with Japanese rifles and ammunition found on captives, and that deserters had been sheltered by Greek inhabitants, their relatives or friends. While German Ambassador thought a deportation might be justified as war measure, he had used his influence to prevent same fearing that deportation carried out by Turks meant great hardship and also loss of life. He says German influence with Turkish officials is exceedingly small, if any, that Turks resent German interference, German advice is not followed but contrary action usually taken. Although there are German officials in many Turkish departments, these officials complain to him that their advice is rarely followed and promises to follow such advice are usually broken. He expressed willingness to cooperate to prevent deportation of women and children. I told German Ambassador that should Greek massacres follow Armenian massacres they would create great indignation among neutral nations and Germany would be held responsible for destruction of the Christians in Turkey. Ambassador stated Germany realizes this and desires to prevent action producing such results. Respectfully suggest, if Department desires, that if pressure be brought upon German Government either in Berlin or Washington it may be effective.
German Ambassador who has just returned from Berlin further states that Germany is perfectly willing to confidentially state her peace terms; that Germany willing to give up Belgium retaining certain rights of travel on the Meuse; that Holland, Denmark, and Belgium should remain as neutral or buffer states for England; that French coast land be retained by France in its entirety so that she remain an important and absolutely independent power; that Russian territory be restored; that Serbia and Roumania be treated properly; and that Belgium be indemnified although her conduct as neutral was not correct.
He stated that Germany learned from secret British sources that England’s hesitation in stating her peace terms was that her maximum terms as fixed with her allies, such as the cession of Constantinople [Page 16] to Russia, parts of Syria to France or Italy, heavy indemnities to Belgium, and cession Alsace-Lorraine to France, were not feasible, while her minimum terms which could satisfy her alone would lead to serious disagreement with her allies. He also stated that German information from England was that if America brought pressure to bear upon England, England would confidentially state her peace terms out of respect and fear of the President and out of respect for growing peace party in England.
As the German Ambassador voluntarily visited me immediately after his return from Berlin probably these statements were made to me with some authority and for possible communication and suggestion. I send them for what they may be worth.
- Not printed.↩