File No. 763.72116/31
The President of France to the President of the United States
[Telegram-Translation]
Mr. President: I am informed that the German Government has tried to impose upon Your Excellency with a claim that dumdum bullets were made in a French Government shop and used by our soldiers. This calumny is but a bold attempt to reverse the charges. Since the beginning of the war Germany has been using dumdum bullets and committing daily infractions of international law. As early as August 18, and repeatedly thereafter, we have had occasion to denounce outrages to Your Excellency and to the powers signatory of the Hague convention. Germany, aware of our protests, is now trying to confuse the issue and to lay up mendacious pretexts for indulging in fresh atrocities. In the name of flouted right and outraged civilization I send to Your Excellency an indignant protest.