711.62119/37: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Commissioner at Berlin ( Dresel )
1373. If Germany desires speedily to resume diplomatic relations and to avoid delays which can in no possible way be profitable to her, no question should be raised respecting the reference in the proposed treaty to the peace resolution.11 Congress made that resolution the subject of extended consideration, and there could be no agreement that is inconsistent therewith.
The rights under the armistice agreement of November 11, 1918,11a it should be observed, already exist, and by their recognition Germany loses nothing. Similarly in section 2 of the peace resolution the reference to the rights, privileges, and advantages which flow from participation in the war would not create new rights but would merely cover rights which may be found to exist already. The intention of Congress was, evidently, that although the Treaty of Versailles had not been ratified, the United States and its nationals [Page 19] should not suffer in comparison with its cobelligerents. The important consideration is now that Germany would stand to gain nothing by an opposition to the provision of the proposed treaty which refers to the peace resolution; on the other hand, disagreement with the resolution of Congress would give rise to misunderstanding and to protracted controversy.
If these matters are brought up in such a way that you find it necessary to deal with them, you may explain to Rosen in the manner indicated above.