THE SHIP PLOTS
Another matter of importance to which he gave thought was the problem which had been in every German mind and mouth since the beginning of the war, namely, the prevention of the shipment of war supplies to the Allies. A letter mailed to Dr. Albert from Chicago under date of July 22, 1915, sets forth how zealously his agent was working on an embargo conference with the aim of arousing sentiment in this country against the export of arms and ammunition. The letter says that he had obtained the co-operation of a United States Senator, a Congressman and other Americans in this project.
One letter from Albert’s agent runs thus:
“I must refrain from communicating the above facts in my report to the Ambassador, as the matter could be too easily compromised thereby. Perhaps you will find an opportunity to inform Count von Bernstorff verbally. As soon as the matter has first gained more headway, I believe Mr. von Alvensleben, who has taken part in the whole development here, will come to New York in order to inform the Ambassador fully regarding prevailing frame of mind here as well as regarding the movement, provided, however, that is desired.”
Letters from Detroit suggested a plan for a general strike of the automobile workers in that city as a mighty protest against shipment of arms. The strike would cost about $50,000.