File No. 763.72112/134
The Ambassador in Spain ( Willard ) to the Secretary of State
Madrid , September 22, 1914.
[Received September 23, 5:10 p.m.]
[Telegram]
In an interview yesterday morning His Majesty informed me confidentially condition of wounded soldiers, particularly in French hospitals where there are inadequate supplies, especially of bandages and absorbent cotton, was deplorable and expressed an earnest wish for our cooperation in relieving this situation. To that end he hopes that United States and Spanish Ambassadors accredited near various European courts now at war will make a joint request for arrangements between countries of hospital supplies and that such supplies in transit on the high seas may be considered by them neither contraband nor conditional contraband of war but free. Please telegraph whether Department can see its way clear to give to our diplomatic officers concerned the instructions necessary to realize His Majesty’s hope.