763.72/3060½
Memorandum by Colonel E. M. House of a Conversation With the German Ambassador (Bernstorff), November 20, 191664
I told the Ambassador that we were on the ragged edge and brought to his mind the fact that no more notes could be exchanged: that the next move was to break diplomatic relations. He appreciates this and will urge his Government again to be more careful. He said they would make an apology and reparation for the Marina and that it would be forthcoming tomorrow or next day.
I told him the President would move for peace at the first opportunity. He said that peace was on the floor waiting to be picked up. He does not believe a belligerent government could refuse to parley, particularly since Germany is willing to evacuate both France and Belgium and any refusal to negotiate would be an admission that they would continue the war for conquest.
The Ambassador seems thoroughly alive to the danger of the situation and what the participation of this country in the war would mean and I think he will do everything possible to prevent it.
- This paper bears the notation: “Handed me by Mr. Polk, Nov. 23/16 RL.”↩