To the extent that I have been able to form an opinion, I believe that, as things now stand, the opposition between industry and the agrarian sector will become increasingly bitter, and that in the end – even though the majority of the Reichstag will be inclined at the moment to make concessions to the agrarians – the industrial direction will win, in keeping with the pressure of conditions. However, that moment is probably still a few decades away.
As I see it, the obvious objection that none of this concerns the admiralty is not valid, considering the future. [In the future, these economic struggles will also pose difficulties to the admiralty.]
After everything that has been said, the naval administration must continue to pay great attention to economic and political conditions.
A further highlighting of the economic interests behind the need to construct the fleet, which rest unquestionably on the flourishing of industry and which grow with it, creates enemies for the navy, however, in the camp that has always been – and will remain so to a high degree – crucial to pushing through the government's demands. The forgoing of these arguments would be exploited accordingly by the agrarian camp, and it would also render pointless the effort to continue winning over broad, left-leaning segments of the population, who are interested in industry, who, in part, already have more moderate views, and who see in all agrarian endeavors something hostile to them.
The Means of Agitation to Date and their Application in the Immediate Future.
Confidential Agents. Collaborators.
As already mentioned, the agitation to date began by arousing the interest of scientifically educated men. Gradually, the circle of these kinds of collaborators has expanded considerably. Success was always most emphatic when these gentlemen were won over by way of personal acquaintance. It would be advisable to continue furthering these personal relationships and to attempt in this way to attract additional forces, especially those who have an influence on very specific strata (Catholic professors, executive boards of associations). From time to time, these collaborators will also have to be given Imperial Recognition through the mediation of the Reich Naval Office [Reichs-Marine-Amt].
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