851.857 Su 8/56½: Telegram

The German Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Jagow) to the German Ambassador (Bernstorff)32

[Translation]

No. 130. For your information. Reply regarding Sussex, other cases handed Gerard Monday night. Careful investigation shows that no German submarine responsible for attack on Sussex, but are willing to examine any evidence American Government may have and in case disagreement suggest mixed commission of inquiry in accordance with article 3 of Hague Convention, 1907,33 consequences of which we naturally shall naturally [sic] assume. This ought to be considered sufficient proof of our bona fides. Steamers Englishman, Eagle Point, Berwindvale all ran away regardless of warning but only destroyed after crew saved in life boats. Investigation about Manchester Engineer so far without result, more details requested. Germany willing to conduct submarine warfare with due regard to neutral rights. We naturally stand by our assurances given America and have issued such precise instructions regarding this matter that according [to] human foresight errors are excluded. Should any mistakes happen contrary to expectation we are willing to remedy them in every way. Germany in face of daily increasing [Page 546] violations of international law by England cannot give up submarine war altogether but regrets that England apparently succeeds in luring a few American citizens also for [apparent omission] freight ships in war zone as you know are not immune by our promise, and thus tries to cause a break with America. Our bona fides cannot be doubted since Chancellor second time announced before whole world Germany ready to conclude peace and pointed out only defensive aims. Our opponents however sneeringly refuse our outstretched hand and are still preaching Germany’s lasting military and economical annihilation.

Jagow
  1. This paper bears the notation: “This wireless was delivered to German Amb. am April 14/16 RL.”
  2. Malloy, Treaties, 1776–1909, vol. II, p. 2220 (Part III).