Grimm–Hoffmann affair
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (September 2017) |
The Grimm–Hoffmann affair was a short-lived scandal that threatened
Background
In 1917, German troops were divided in fighting the
. The Allies insisted that the division of Germany's military strength was crucial to their own success.During the 1917
Lenin was willing to make peace with Germany regardless of Russia's Triple Entente commitment. Therefore, the Germans assisted in Lenin's return to Russia.[citation needed]
Grimm's trip to Russia
Following the
Grimm arrived in Petrograd on May 22, 1917.[2] While in Russia, he also intended to weigh the possibility of a separate peace agreement between Russia and the German Empire.[3][2] In Petrograd, Grimm and Balabanoff were accused by the press of being German agents and working toward a separate peace between Germany and Allied countries.
On May 26/27, 1917, Grimm sent a telegram to Federal Councilor (Bundesrat) and Foreign Affairs Minister Arthur Hoffmann stating that Russia was eager for peace with Germany.
On June 13, 1917, a Swiss envoy informed his superiors that a
In the telegram, Hoffmann confirms the improbability of a German offensive attack along the Eastern Front, which would threaten a separate Russian–German peace.[3]
The telegram was leaked to international news sources, causing widespread outrage, especially among the Western powers.
Switzerland neutrality
After the leakage of Hoffmann's telegram, Switzerland's neutrality was greatly called into question. Hoffmann was forced to resign and stated in his letter of resignation that he "strived to negotiate exclusively for the promotion of peace, at the interest of his country."[2] However, Allied Forces saw these actions as explicitly non-neutral, as a separate peace between the German Empire and Russia would strengthen German troops on the Western Front.[2]
France and Great Britain questioned the presence of a silent majority in Switzerland that supported the Central Powers.[3]
Aftermath
On June 18, 1917, the Pan-Russian Congress of all Councils of Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates officially moved to expel Grimm in a 640–121 vote.[4][1] By the time of the vote, Grimm had already left Russia.[4]
On June 20, 1917, Grimm resigned as Chairman of the International Socialist Commission (ISC). After appointing new leadership at the Third Zimmerwald Conference, the ISC appointed a commission to investigate the Grimm–Hoffmann affair.[5] Grimm was censured, but ultimately cleared of acting with German imperialistic interests and actively supporting a separate peace.[5] Grimm eventually rebounded from the scandal, going on to become the President of the National Swiss Council in 1946.
Hoffmann, who had not consulted his colleagues over his initiative, retired immediately. In Switzerland, Hoffmann became a controversial figure. Citizens from the western district of Romandy were particularly outraged by the affair.[3] His former business dealings in Germany increased the public's growing suspicion that he was a German sympathizer.[3] However, Hoffmann denied acting out of sympathy with Germany. Many were also surprised by his partnership with Grimm.[3]
Hoffmann was replaced by
References
- Grimm–Hoffmann affair in German, French and Italian in the online Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.
- ^ a b c d "Ratify Grimm's Expulsion: Congress of Workmen's Councils Against Swiss Peace Agent" (PDF). The New York Times. June 18, 1917. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
- ^ .
- ^ a b c d e f g Schaltegger, Christoph; Schmid, Lukas (December 14, 2014). "Switzerland during the Great War: Neutral, Yet Threatened?: A view from the sovereign bond market" (PDF). Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaft - Freie Universität Berlin: 8–9.
- ^ a b "Allege German Agent in Communication with Swiss Minister: Expulsion Ordered" (PDF). The Barrier Miner. June 18, 1917. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
- ^ a b "Socialists Condemn Grimm: Censure Peace Advocate, but Decide He Did Not Act for Germany" (PDF). The New York Times. July 8, 1917. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Ador Succeeds Hoffman: French Switzerland Celebrates Election as a Success for the Allies" (PDF). The New York Times. June 27, 1917. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
