Office of the Historian

File No. 811.142/336f

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) 1

Department of State,
Washington, September 4, 1914.

[Telegram]

Department’s telegram of August 27 regarding Red Cross ship Prinz Joachim. Department is informed that S. S. Hamburg of Hamburg-American line has been chartered in place of Prinz Joachim and that the Hamburg will carry the name Red Cross. In order to insure neutrality of vessel authority has been given by special act of Congress for her to sail under American flag. As Hamburg is to sail for European ports next Monday, bring matter again to attention of Foreign Office, and obtain assurances at earliest moment that vessel will not be molested while on voyage or in German ports. Also request Government to grant all courtesies and waive formalities in order to facilitate issuance of clearance papers. Report immediately.

Bryan
  1. The same, mutatis mutandis, to the Ambassadors in Great Britain, France, Russia, and Austria-Hungary.↩