763.72111/1691½
The Counselor for the Department of State (Lansing) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: In the German Ambassador’s note to you, dated the 15th and dealing with the intended operations in a war zone,7 the following statement appears:
“In addition increased danger from mines is to be looked for as it is proposed to make the widest use of mines in every part of the war zone. Neutral vessels therefore must again be most earnestly warned against getting into that zone; they may, if they wish, unhesitatingly take the Northern course, around Scotland, recommended by the German Admiralty.”
In view of this statement and the known use of mines by Great Britain (a large number having drifted on to the coasts of the Netherlands), it would seem to me an appropriate time to protest to Great Britain, France and Germany against the use of mines on the high [Page 38] seas. The protest could be identical and being sent to both sides could be made vigorous in language.8
I think that the opportunity for identical protests should not be lost, as the use of mines on the high seas is the greatest menace to neutral vessels and the lives of neutrals, and, in my opinion, is the most reprehensible and utterly indefensible method employed in naval warfare.
Very sincerely yours,
- Foreign Relations, 1915, supp., p. 104.↩
- For protests to Great Britain and Germany, see Foreign Relations, 1915, supp., p. 119.↩