Paris Peace Conf. 185.001/28: Telegram
The Chargé in Denmark ( Osborne ) to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
[Received January 15—10 a.m.]
102. Following despatched Secretary of State, Washington, as Legation Number 3457.
“January 14, 6 p.m. Legation’s 3448, January 11, 5 p.m. According to information press, many banks and members of bourse ceased all business with German firms or individuals as result of French Legation’s step. This morning’s papers published text of circular letter sent by French Legation direct to all financial institutions. This letter corresponds almost exactly to the notes to the Foreign Office already reported. Politiken states that the French Legation yesterday ‘Verbally and unofficially’ informed the banks that it was not intended ‘to place obstacles in the way of normal business connections between Danish financial institutions and German subjects’. Paper adds that this modifies greatly the sharp terms of the circular letter in banking circles; an official commentary on the letter is expected in the near future from the government in Paris, but in any case the matter is regarded with greater calmness than a few days ago. Repeated to Ammission, Paris.”