File No. 855.48/130
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
Berlin, December 28, 1914.
[Received December 31, 8 a.m.]
[Telegram]
1210. My 899, November 23.1 Foreign Office now request that special certificates of unneutral ships carrying food for Belgians contain following statements: (1) American express declaration that the ship carries solely food and clothing for Belgian population to be unloaded in a Dutch port; (2) an undertaking of the [Page 824] master of the vessel on his word of honor to abstain from any and all actions on outgoing or homeward voyage involving assistance to our opponents; (3) statements that certificate and pass are valid for single outward voyage only and must be delivered to German consul upon arrival in. Dutch port of destination or to German Minister at The Hague if there is no consul (similar papers for return voyage will be issued by German Legation at The Hague); (4) statement that the papers do not bar a search of the vessel and that cargo must be stowed so that search can be conducted quickly and easily; (5) statement that the date of departure from the United States is to he communicated to German Ambassador at Washington, the date of departure from Holland on return voyage to German Minister at The Hague; (6) statement that non-compliance with these provisions and obligations assumed works forfeiture of all rights to preferential treatment.