Fall of Giants

General von Henscher appeared and said to Otto: “If you would care to come with me, we will have lunch privately. You, too, young man.” He led them into a side room where a cold buffet was laid out.

Castle Pless served as a residence for the kaiser, so the food was good. Walter was angry and depressed, but like everyone else in Germany he was hungry, and he piled his plate high with cold chicken, potato salad, and white bread.

“Today’s decision was anticipated by Foreign Minister Zimmermann,” said von Henscher. “He wants to know what we can do to discourage the Americans.”

Small chance of that, Walter thought. If we sink American ships and drown American citizens there’s not much we can do to soften the blow.

The general went on: “Can we, for example, foment a protest movement among the one point three million Americans who were born here in Germany?”

Walter groaned inwardly. “Absolutely not,” he said. “It’s a stupid fairy tale.”

His father snapped: “Careful how you speak to your superiors.”

Von Henscher made a calming gesture. “Let the boy speak his mind, Otto. I might as well have his frank opinion. Why do you say that, Major?”

Walter said: “They don’t love the fatherland. Why do you think they left? They may eat wurst and drink beer, but they’re Americans and they’ll fight for America.”

“What about the Irish-born?”

“Same thing. They hate the British, of course, but when our submarines kill Americans they’ll hate us more.”

Otto said irritably: “How can President Wilson declare war on us? He has just won reelection as the man who kept America out of war!”

Walter shrugged. “In some ways that makes it easier. People will believe he had no option.”

Von Henscher said: “What might hold him back?”

“Protection for ships of neutral countries-”

“Out of the question,” his father interrupted. “Unrestricted means unrestricted. That’s what the navy wanted, and that’s what His Majesty has given them.”

Von Henscher said: “If domestic issues aren’t likely to trouble Wilson, is there any chance he may be distracted by foreign affairs in his own hemisphere?” He turned to Otto. “Mexico, for example?”

Otto smiled, looking pleased. “You’re remembering the Ypiranga. I must admit, that was a small triumph of aggressive diplomacy.”

Walter had never shared his father’s glee over the incident of the shipload of arms sent by Germany to Mexico. Otto and his cronies had made President Wilson look foolish, and they could yet come to regret it.

“And now?” said von Henscher.

“Most of the U.S. Army is either in Mexico or stationed on the border,” said Walter. “Ostensibly they’re chasing a bandit called Pancho Villa, who raids across the border. President Carranza is bursting with indignation at the violation of his sovereign territory, but there isn’t much he can do.”

“If he had help from us, would that change anything?”

Walter considered. This kind of diplomatic mischief-making struck him as risky, but it was his duty to answer the questions as accurately as he could. “The Mexicans feel they were robbed of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. They have a dream of winning those territories back, much like the French pipe dream of winning back Alsace and Lorraine. President Carranza may be stupid enough to believe it could be done.”

Otto said eagerly: “In any event, the attempt would certainly take American attention away from Europe!”

“For a while,” Walter agreed reluctantly. “In the long-term our interference might strengthen those Americans who would like to join in the war on the Allied side.”

“The short term is what interests us. You heard von Holtzendorff-our submarines are going to bring the Allies to their knees in five months. All we want is to keep the Americans busy that long.”

Von Henscher said: “What about Japan? Is there any chance the Japs might be persuaded to attack the Panama Canal, or even California?”

“Realistically, no,” Walter said firmly. The discussion was venturing farther into the land of fantasy.

But von Henscher persisted. “Nevertheless, the mere threat might tie up more American troops on the West Coast.”

“I suppose it could, yes.”

Otto patted his lips with his napkin. “This is all most interesting, but I must see whether His Majesty needs me.”

They all stood up. Walter said: “If I may say so, General… ”

His father sighed, but von Henscher said: “Please.”

“I believe all this is very dangerous, sir. If word got out that German leaders were even talking about fomenting strife in Mexico, and encouraging Japanese aggression in California, American public opinion would be so outraged that the declaration of war could come much sooner, if not immediately. Forgive me if I am stating the obvious, but this conversation should remain highly secret.”

“Quite all right,” said von Henscher. He smiled at Otto. “Your father and I are the older generation, of course, but we still know a thing or two. You may rely on our discretion.”

{II}