File No. 839.51/1266.
The Secretary of State to Minister Sullivan.
Washington, March 20, 1914, 12 p.m.
Cable immediately if there appears to be any apparent evidence on the part of Congress to change its position as to authorization of loan or if its position could be changed in reference to authorization of means for the payment of back salaries only. The payment of back salaries might be arrived at by a temporary advance of $500,000 [Page 219] from public works funds on deposit in New York if Congress would authorize the pledging of alcohol and stamp taxes to repay this loan. If this is not possible request Minister of Finance to prepare plan for efficacious repayment.