“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.
NEWSPAPER PROPAGANDA
To Dr. Albert also was assigned the task of studying sentiment in this country regarding the war and taking steps to influence it in favour of Germany—in other words, highly paid press work. Through Dr. Albert arrangements also were made for many German professors, either in Germany or connected with American institutions, to give up their occupations as teachers and devote themselves in America exclusively to lectures before high-class audiences. In these talks the speakers devoted themselves to showing the friendly relations between Germany and the United States, the similar aims of both countries in industry and international affairs, and to arguing for the cordial support of Germany’s cause.
A complete organization was tabulated of journalists throughout the country who were sympathetic with the German cause. These men received news for publication in various papers, also instructions. By the aid of these men a vast amount of information was gathered and shunted along to Dr. Albert. In addition Dr. Albert gave consideration to still more elaborate plans for the purchase of newspapers, the starting of news syndicates and information bureaus which, apparently neutral, should be secretly allied with the German cause and supported by German money. These facts were shown by a number of papers bearing on publicity and methods of acquiring it which were found in his dossier. The papers show that in one instance he was subsidizing a weekly paper and that in return he demanded a certain policy.
The following letter throws some light on the subject:
“I request the proposal of a suitable person who can ascertain accurately and prove the financial condition of your paper. From the moment when we guarantee you a regular advance, I must—