Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1914, Supplement, The World War

File No. 811.142/232a

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)¹

Department of State,
Washington, August 5, 1914.

[Telegram]

Under Article 11 of the treaty of Geneva American Red Cross expresses deep sympathy and offers to British Red Cross a unit consisting of three doctors and twelve nurses with hospital supplies. All medical officers to be men of practical army or navy experience. All nurses finest graduate trained American Red Cross nurses, two or three years training. Each member of unit ready to take oath of secrecy or assume whatever other obligations may be required. A like offer made to all countries involved and ship will be chartered by the American Red Cross sailing under Red Cross flag to forward personnel and supplies. Earnestly trust this offer will be accepted. Suggest unit give service at base or reserve hospitals. If necessary further personnel will be forwarded later. Communicate foregoing to British Red Cross and request early reply.²

W. J. Bryan

1. The same, mutatis mutandis, to the Ambassadors in France, Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary, and the Ministers in Belgium and Servia.
2. Replies notifying acceptance not printed.