Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937, December 21, 1917, Page 17, Image 17

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    TIIE MORNING OREGONIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1917.
11
UNION OF NATIONS
ITU. 5.. PLOT
AGA1 S
Details of German Plan in
South America Are Dis
', closed in Full.
SECRET COMPACT PLANNED
Alignment of All States of Southern
Hemisphere Against United State
Shown to Be Purpose of
- Notorious Luxburg.
'Contlnud From First Pis.)
Oi
O
her side." This apparently was writ
ten when the likelihood of the Presi
dent holding- Argentina out of the war
appeared to be fading.
Minister Kaon of Argentina, declined
tonight to make any comment upon the
matter, further than to say that the
statement of the Foreign Minister cov
ered the aituatlon. He was advised of
the purpose of the United States and
his government to make the messages
public here and. at Buenos Airas simul
taneously. Following is the statement of the
Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs
ajiven out with the Luxborg telegrams:
"The telegrams which appear below
are all that the Argentine Ministry for
Foreign Affairs received from the Em
bassy in Washington, of which the
translations were made by the Depart
ment of State in the United States.
There are three telegrams not pub
lished, as they allude solely to the re
publics of Chile and Uruguay. The
government has decided that it should
not publish these telegrams and has
delivered them to the respective chan
cellories. "The telegrams show a number of
inaccuracies so surprising that no epi
thet will fit them, as they are at com
plete variance, both in substance and
form, with the terms in which the ne
gotiations were entered into, carried
On and brought to a conclusion."
Text ef Messages Given.
The German charge's messages were
aent during last July, August and Sep
tember. All are addressed to Berlin
. and signed "Luxburg." Following are
the texts in the order in which they
Were made public:
"Juiy 7th or th, 1917.
"No. 62.
"The Minister for Foreign Affairs,
who is a theatrical person, has shown
an insane cunning in prevent
ing me from having an interview with
the President. He sent me a copy of
the note and declared in accordance
therewith that Argentina could not
consent to all the products of the coun
try being treated as contraband.
"The pressure of North America in
regard to shipping iron, coal and paper
Is great, but not irresistible. "What is
lacking is strength of wilL
"If the President, whose action it Is
Impossible to foretell, changes minis
ters, a postponement of the crisis or a
settlement is possible.
"If the answer is unsatisfactory there
Is to be a rupture of relations."
South Americans Indiana.'
No. 63, July 7, 1917.
"Our attitude toward Brazil has cre
ated the impression here that our easy
going good nature can be counted on.
This is dangerous in South America,
where the people under a thin veneer
are Indians. A submarine squadron
with full powers to me might probably
still save the situation. 1 request ln-
structions as to whether, after a rup
ture of relations, legation is to start
for home or to remove to Paraguay or
possibly Chile. The naval attaches will
doubtless go to Santiago de Chile."
"July 10, 1917.
"No. 67.
"President, in the course of a long
Interview, protested his friendship for
Germany and firm desire for neutrali
ty in spite of severe pressure. He
demanded forbearance for all ships,
about six in number, proceeding to the
. war zone, but conceded that contraband
on board might be destroyed. He stat
ed that it is a fact that there are no
more ships available. ' He regretted the
possibility of rupture.' Am reporting
further."
Chancellor Make Inpreuloa.
; "July 13, 1917.
"No. 69.
"Imperial chancellor's declaration of
so peace without annexations has made
the best impression among our friends
and also created Impression of the
strength of our confidence of victory.
The news of the crisis and the dismis
sal of numerous ministers is being; ex
ploited by our enemies."
"July 14, 1917.
"No. 70.
' "Situation better. President refuses
to Invite American squadron. I am ne
gotiating respecting proposals for the
solution of the ship question."
"July 15, 1917.
- "No. 71.
i "At the special request of the Presi
dent I have undertaken to transmit the
following. We have discussed the fol
lowing proposals: One, that our reply
to the note should merely express re
gret for the necessity of sinking the
Toro on account of contraband and
should give the desired assurance as
regard the future on condition that
Argentina ships avoid contraband and
any hostile undertaking-. This reply to
be couched in conciliatory language."
Ships to Avoid Blockade.
"July 15. 1917. No. 72.
"Continuation of No. 71. Protocols to
he exchanged here.
"Two. Argentire to promise that for
the future chips will avoid the blockade
cone or perhaps that the government
should decline responsibility.
"Three, we to allow five or six very
O small vessels now on the way to pass
through without convoy. Details re
main for further settlement."
"July 19. 1917. No. 73.-
"In continuation of No. 71. Visit of
American fleet is expected next week,
probably for Ave days. After that a
change of Ministers is probable.
"Recommend delaying answer 'till
end of month and when it is given go
ing fully into the Joro case in concili
atory language emphasizing contra
band, cruiser warfare, and expressing
regret at the necessity for sinking her.
Owners here Dodero are agents of an
enemy government and have sold 16th
Instant Argentine eteams. :p to France
for patrol service. Continuation fol
lows." Conciliatory Attitude I'rged. .
"July 20, 1917. No. 74.
"Continuation of No. 73. In resrard
to treatment of general question of
note, please show conciliatory attitude
In regard to recognized international
law and suggest further negotiation.
"The Argentine government wishes tn
continue conversations. Chile has re
moved nag from steamer laulaue. nros.
erty of Dodero. Recommend express
ing recognition of this to the Chilean
Minister."
"No. 75. July 10.
"First, receiving plant erected ac
cording to instructions. When doss
Nauen send at greatest strength and
Which is the wave length?
"Secondly, the legation balance at
oi
the bank was, on June 30. 856,000
pesos."
"July 24. 1917.
"No. 80.
"Confidential also for Molina in
agreement with Saguier. who is shortly
to take over the ministry of foreign
affairs. I beg that the reply to the
note may be delayed until the first of
August."
Shin movements Secret.
"July 25, 1917,
"No. 82. First; remittance of coupons
of provincial and state loans depends
on the general situation we are ne
gotiating. "Second, nnlon is in need of a sub
vention on account of the blacklrtt and
prices about 10.000 pesos monthly."
"July 28, 1917. v
"No. 83. Destination and particulars
of ships bound for Europe are kept
strictly secret. The following are on the
way, the first two being over' 800 tons;
the others under: Cadorna, Pellegrini,
Unioning, Laterra. Francia Peru, Ven
ezuela Itamby, Brazil Bolivia. Sailings
from Brazilian ports at various dates,
the last named 20th July. Steamer lies
low in the water and has a superstruc
ture amidships.
President Gives Consent,
"August 1, 1917.
"No. 85. The President has at last
made up his mind to conclude a secret
agreement with Chile and Bolivia with
regard to a mutual rapproachement for
protection vis-a-vis North America be
fore the conference idea is taken up
again. . Sagulr, with friendly Under
Secretary of State, and full powers is
on his way to and Santiago.'
"No. 87, August 5. 1917. .
"Reply to telegram 149. ,
"Agreement not possible .since Min
ister insists that protocl shall estab
lish the obligation to pay indemnity
and contain provision for freedom for
known Argentine ships carrying the
products of the country. Most of the
ships have been sold to the enemy and
will change flags. I recommend an
swering the new note after August 10
in friendly terms and If necessary pro
posing a court of arbitration.
"August 4, 1917. '
"No. 88. Please treat with indul
gence the last attempt of the govern
ment to put on pressure. The Minis
ter of Marine and the Minister of For
eign Affairs are probably bribed. Pres
ident holds with us. The fact that
North America is supplying- munitions
and advancing loan interest to Brazil
has made impression here. Please ca
ble me at once further full powers.'
Lubnrc Is Confident-
"No. 89, August 4. 1917.
"I am convinced that we shall be
able to carry through our principal
aims in South America, the mainte
nance of open market in Argentina and
the reorganization of South Brazil
equally well, whether with or against
Argentina. Please cultivate friendship
with Chile. The announcement of a
visit of a submarine squadron to sa
lute the President would even now ex
ercise decisive influence on the situa
tion in South America. Prospect ex
cellent for wheat harvest in Decern
ber."
"No. 90, August 7. 1917.
"I have certain information that
North American note to Argentina
asked that conference of South Amer
ican neutrals should be dropped. Van
ity does not allow them to tell the
truth. Meanwhile there is a possibility
that Congress may be unconstitutional
ly dissolved by President. Please show
willingness to meet the Argentine gov
ernment as far as possible."
"(About August 10, 1917), No. 94.
Reply-to No. 157:
"It is not known with certainty which
ships are sold. 1 have not communi
cated to- President suggestion about
sparing - Argentine ships for, for the
present,' it is important to avoid ap
pearance of weakness in face of the
pressure. Please give me full powers,
secret and comprehensive, ot settle mat
ters and let reply to note be courteous
in tone. Best of all, would be authori
sation to announce submarine visit."
ew Proposal Is Made
"No. 85,-August 13, 1917:
"Advise delaying reply to note" still
further. My new proposal made over
head of the Minister for Foreign Af
fairs, is as follows:
"One. Toro case to be settled by Inter
national court of arbitration.
"Two, assurance that Argentine ships
will be spared In accordance with inter
national law.
"Three, protocol according to which
Argentine ships avoid war zone. Ger
many allows all steamers now on the
way to pass through both going and re
turning. "President's answer not yet received;
request instructions."
"No. 97, August 16, 1917:
"Reply to telegram 158. Readjust
ment probable, not certain. Objections
of government regarding concessions
have to be overcome, what amount is
to be reimbursed to trans-ocean, what
is desired is that the German govern
ment as sleeping partner should share
expenses up to date half and half with
Siemens Shuckert and also in future
the working expenses of the company."
Work Proceeds Favorably.
"No. 98. August 17. 1917:
"This government's new orlatitatlon
seems to be proceeding favorably. Sa
guier, who has been invited by Peru,
will visit Lima and then Santiago.
"No. 99, August 18, 1917 :
"Reference to your telegram. No. 166.
Secret. I have had a long and agitated
conference with President. He is con
scious that there have been errors in
the past and has firm Intention of ad
hering to neutrality and it is asserted
that all pending conflicts may be set
tled on loyal broad lines on a basis of
mutual confidence. He recommends
that an early settlement chould be ar
rived at. First, instead of there being
a protocol Argentine ships should on
the one hand tacitly be spared and on
the other be prevented from going to
sea. . A-s a matter of fact, the use of
the Argentine flag has latterly been
refused repeatedly, moreover, shipbuild
ing material is exhausted. Continua
tion follows, .
Assurances Are Vrged.
"No. 100, August 18, 1917. Continu
ation of No. 99: '
. "Secondly, as regards note of your
excellency or of the imperial legation.
the lines of which were telegraphed to
Molina at the President's wish, a large
hearted solution should be arrived at
out of friendship. There should be as
surance that Argentine ships will not
be harmed and that freedom of move
ment will be allowed them in accord
ance with international law. As re
gards Toro indemn- ; there should be
same procedure as In the case of the
Monte Protegido, but ship's value
should only come in so far as it is not
covered by insurance. The President
deserves confidence."
"No. 103, Aug- t 24, 1917. Reply to
telegram No. 170:
"Public opinion is becoming unpatri
otic. I recommend an immediate' defi
nite settlement. My telegraphic .com
munication with Mexico is entirely In
terrupted." Clouds Are Gathering.
"September 1, 1917:
"A friendly Minister . regrets very
much the communication made at Ber
lin to Molina to the effect that tele
graphic instructions to me were con
templated. He fears that the secret
wire may be compromised. The Argen
tine government has published all re
ports and drafts as well -s the intro
ductions sent to me through Molina re
specting th last note."
"No. 108,' September 1:
"I can, in fact. I am allowed, only
seldom to see the President. The gov
ernment here is ready to communicate
details about the ships through Molina.
Please show no anxiety." .
Berlin Messages Given.
In addition to the Luxburg messages,
there were 13 telegrams from the Barliu
Foreign Office to Luxburg at Argen
tina. They follow:
"Berlin - to SuanA Aires; No. 137,
July 8, . 1917. For naval attache. In
reply to telegram No. 34. He is one ot
our agents." ...
"Berlin to Buenos Aires: - (About)
July 24, 1917. No. 149. Proposal
agreed to if formulated in the follow
ing terms: Germany allows six ships
of moderate size in the blockade area
while on their present Journey here and
back provided they are not convoyed.
Instructions are being issued accord
ingly. As it is not absolutely certain
that information can be given in re
gard to this, compensation is agreed to
in case a ship Is unintentionally sunk.
Argentine promises that in future her
ships will keep away from the block
ade area and Argentine ships are to re
main unharmed if they neither carry
contraband nor undertake any hostile
enterprise. I' authorize you to sign a
protocol In accordance with this. If
the palliative above referred to cannot
be obtained. you should declare to the
President verbally that the Imperial
government, in full appreciation of the
value of the continuance of historic
friendship between the two countries,
entertains a well-founded confidence
that incidence productive of harm to
Argentine ships will not occur again in
tBe future. Very secret, for your per
sonal information. Argentine ships will
be treated with forbearance as far as
they can be recognized. It is quite im
possible to make an express communi
cation to thit effect to the Argentine
government on account of other neu
trals and of military considerations.
The desired Toro note will be handed
to the Argentine Minister.
(Signed.) "ZIMMERMAN."
"Berlin to Buenos Aires: (About)
Aug. 8, 1917. No. 157. Please telegraph
the names of the ships which have been
sold. Have you made use of the sec
ond alternative in telegram No. 149,
viz. a viz the president. .
(Signed.) , "STRUMM."
"Please Deal With President."
"Berlin to Buenos Aires: (About)
Aug. 11, 1917 No. 161. Please, as far
as possible, deal with the president, and
in answering last note state that after
explanation of circumstances . we are
prepared to pay compensation to Toro.
As regards safety for Argentina ships
in future, please refer verbally to ex
planation given lately to Argentine
Minister here as well as to the declara
tion which you were empowered to
make. For your information. In an
swer to complaints from other neutrals,
the payment of indemnity will be ex
plained by saying that part of cargo
was for Switzerland should necessity
arise. Acknowledge by telegraph.
(Signed) - "KUEHT.M ANN.'
"Berlin to Buenos Aires: (About) Aug.
12, 1917-No. 163. Reply to No. 94. The
Argentine Minister is receiving here
only general oral information. The an
swering of the note, in accordance with
inctructions in our telegrams 161 aud
149 is left to you. You are empowered
to an ounce a submarine visit should
PQlitico-military situation allow.
(Signed "KUEHLMANN."
Rapture of Relations Feared.
"Berlin to Buenos Aires: No. 165, Aug.
16, 1917. Reply to No. 63. In case of
a rupture of relations, I request lega
tion to go to Chile, har.d over -protection
of German interests to Swedish le
gal; 'on.
(Signed) "VON DEMBOSSCHE."
"Berlin to Buenos Aires, No. 166, Aug.
15. 1917. Reply to No. 95. Proposals
agreed to in their form; one, indemnity
for Toro to be agreed to in accordance
with telegram No. 161; two, agreed to
provided as is implied by; there, war
zone remains excluded and our inter
pretation of international law is not
narrowed by any addition. Three,
agreed to. If'.- the' above suggested
agreement suffices to prevent a rupture
of relations previous instructions . are
cancelled as an agreement is prefer
able." "Berlin to Buenos Aires, No. 170, Aug.
21, 1917. Telegram No. 99 and draft of
note received. The matter will be dealt
with as speedily as possible. Draft of
note will probably be sent through the
Argentine minister. Secret instruc
tions by the well-known way.
"KUEHLMANN."
Secrecy Is Imperative,
"Berlin to puenos Aires, No. 172, Aug.'
Z5, 1917. Reference to my telegram No.
170, the proposed sparing of ship? must
absolutely remain secret otherwise sub
marine war would be endangered. As
blockade area rests on the principle
of retaliation, not on International law,
the note must contain a limitation, in
this sense. Full compensation is guar
anteed in regard to the Toro, but in
view of the precedent Involved this is
to be attributed not to liberality, but
to the circumstances of the case, that
this course is justified by the facts. A
draft note on these lines will follow
through the Argentine minister. Please
await its arrival. Former instructions
cancelled." (No signature).
"Berlin to Buenos Aires. No. 175,
August 26, 1917. Reply to telegram
104. Draft note for you has been hand
ed to Argentine Minister. Please pre
sent It if possible to the President.
Request President, that you may be
furnished with names and -numbers of
ships involved. Point out that we rely
nn him nrnmisa tn nrttV.nt shinfc fmm
! proceeding to the blockade area. Please
I state at once, should any incident take
i place, and this is not quite impossible
owing to technical reasons, that we
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Toro Matter Disposed Of.
"Berlin to Buenos Aires, No. 176, Sep
tember i, 1917. Now that Toro matter
Is satisfactorily disposed! of, please ex
press to the President the expectation
of the imperial government that he
will prevent ships from proceeding to
blockade area. Report by wire.
(Signed) "BUSSCHE."
The last telegram in the series Is
from Luxburg to an unnamed persen
at Santiago, Chile, probably the Ger
man Minister there. It follows:
"Buenos Aires to Santiago, Chile;
July 19, 1917. No. 64. .With reference
to our postarl cipher dispatch No. 1730,
I congratulate you on the solution ar
rived at. As long as Chile is neutral
Germany will be able after the war to
carry out her South American policy
just as -well, if not more easily, in op
position to an Infatuated and mis
guided Argentina as with Argentina
on her side. A few sensible men here,
even Zebelos, allow that Chile is ob
viously better governed than Argen
tina; moreover, the situation here is by
no means incapable of solution. The
President has the firm intention of
setting the Council of Ministers against
North America. Use the above confi
dentially." LUXBURG STILL- IN ARGENTINA
Plotter Said to Be. Undergoing Treat
ment at Sanitarium.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20. Count Lux
burg still is in Argentina, although
safe conduct was secured for him long
ago and there have been frequent an
nouncements of his plans for sailing
for a Northern European neutral coun
try. The last report received here concerning-
him said he was undergoing
treatment in a sanitarium for a nervous
disorder. For a time he was in a
detention camp, probably chiefly be
cause the Argentine public was so in
censed against him that it was not
safe to have him at large.
Phone your want ads to The Orego
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Testimony - Given In Hindu Trial Denies
All Actual Knowledge of Con
spiracy to Foment I prUlng.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 20. George
Rodiek, former German Consul at Hono
lulu, helped to provision the steamer
Maverick ai pay her crew, but did
not know that the Maverick was sup
posed to be bearing a band of revolu
tionists to India, according to. testi
mony he offered here today in the trial
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charged with fomenting" an uprising
against British rule in that country.
Rodiek, who was one of the defend
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complicity In the conspiracy, took the
tand 'after having been promised by
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denied all actual knowledge of the con
spiracy, but stated that H. A. Schroeder,
his secretary in the embassy and his
agent in the provisioning of the
Maverick, had no intimation of the in
tended uprising, to his best knowledge
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In order to attend to this provision
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Edwin Delnat, of the German steamers
Ahlers and Holsatla, which were tld
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. Schroeder is expected to taka the
stand tomorrow, the cross-examination
of Rodiek having been completed late
this afternoon. The former pleaded
guilty with Rodiek.
Richardson'
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will leave tomorrow for
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NEW YEAR'S .'OREGONIAN
. ANNUAL NUMBER, JAN. 1, 1918
Will be the most interesting and complete edition ever published. You will
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" 1 -1 '
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