Following the introduction of the 1912 Novelle, Watson perceived a change in the fortunes of the German ‘Large Navy Party’. In his view, the evident resolve of Britain to maintain her maritime supremacy in the face of the German challenge finally discredited those arguing for the further build up of the German fleet. Thus, this period sees several reports stressing the decline in the power and influence of Admiral Tirpitz and the ‘Large Navy Party’ [181, 183, 190, 205]. The chapter also includes several more reports on technical matters such as airships [179, 180, 186, 187, 188, 204] and submarines [185].

175. Hugh Watson, Germany N.A. No.49/12

Berlin, 12 June 1912

General Meeting of the German Navy League

I have the honour to forward herewith a translation of the report of proceedings at the General Meeting of the German Navy League, which was held at Weimar on the 9th of June.

2. The new demands that are presumably to be made into a propaganda are:–

• (a) Substitution of 2 Armoured Cruisers for the 2 small Cruisers of the Novelle of 1912.

• (b) Addition to the Navy by 1917 of some 5000 more Active Personnel, and 5 Armoured Cruisers.

3. The speech is reported in some Papers at greater length than in the North German Gazette. It is interesting to see how quickly the Navy League express their discontent with the Novelle; and also to see how quickly the idea of fresh Naval increases follow hard on the heels of the Naval Novelle of 1912.

4. I would submit for attention that the Meeting was attended by Representatives of the Reichs-Marine-Amt, one of whom (Kapitän zur See Hollweg) is the Head of the Admiralty Nachrichtenbureau. It will be remembered that this Bureau was recently the subject of much criticism for its political activity and manipulation of the Press. (Vide my previous Letters on this.)

5. I have before called attention to the Royal patronage the German Navy League enjoys, and to the semi-official encouragement it is reported to receive.