763.72119/3380: Telegram
The Chargé in Denmark ( Osborne ) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 11:20 p.m.]
3448. French Minister here on January 3rd sent note to Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs referring to financial protocol signed at Trèves December 14th [13th] whereby Germany pledged herself not to dispose without previous agreement with Allies of her bullion, funds, securities etc., through foreign countries, and to make certain regulations together with Allied Governments concerning restoration of deeds lost or stolen in the invaded regions, etc. Note then draws attention to importance of these arrangements and states that my Government informs me that measures will be taken to deprive contracting parties of the benefit of cessions of [or?] transfers which shall be held to be fraudulent. The Royal Danish Government will no doubt deem it fitting to put Danish subjects on guard against operations of this kind, and against the eventual consequences to which contracting parties, even if acting [in ignorance and?] in good faith might find themselves exposed. A second note of January 9th from [Page 563] the French Chargé d’Affaires states that French [authorities] have decided to treat Austro-Hungarian property on the same principle. While not specifically speaking on behalf of the Allies, the notes give the impression that they are a pronouncement of the policy of all the Associated Governments. The Danish press has accepted the action in this sense, and its first comments indicate irritation at the measure as unwarranted interference with Danish internal affairs, particularly in respect to Germans long resident in Denmark. The British Chargé d’Affaires and the Italian Minister are also without instructions in the matter.
Respectfully request instructions or information. Repeated to Ammission, Paris.