462.11 Se 8/41½
Mr. Chandler P. Anderson to the Secretary of State
I had my interview with Bernstorff this evening and am returning tonight to Newport for a few days going back to York Harbor on Thursday with Harriet.
I told Bernstorff as I suggested to you over the telephone on Sunday about the possibilities in the last paragraph in the Frye note if they would agree not to repeat the acts complained of pending arbitration, pointing out that the same arrangement in the Lusitania case would deprive Great Britain of the only views they have ever advanced in defense of their so-called blockade which in turn is the only excuse Germany has for its submarine attacks on merchant vessels. He saw at once that they could throw the entire responsibility for illegal interference with American rights upon G. B. by adopting this course and if G. B. did not adopt the same course our relations to the situation would be on a different basis. He is turning the matter over in his mind and is going to prepare a cable to his Government which he will show to you when he comes to Washington as he intends to do as soon as he gets authority to deal with the situation [Page 470] which he has cabled for. He is somewhat embarrassed by the facts that he cannot make any suggestions to his Government without disclosing them to the Dept.
I made it clear to him of course that I was not speaking for you or the Department.
Let me know if you want me in Washington.
Faithfully yours,