File No. 763.72/678
The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State
Paris, August 30, 1914, 3 p.m.
[Received 10:30 p.m.]
[Telegram]
British Ambassador tells me this morning that he has learned from British headquarters that 70,000 British troops stood off 200,000 German troops for three days but gradually fell back in good order because of lack of French reenforcements. He stated that, although Germans succeeded in making hole through British lines, French troops had now come to assistance of British and conditions consequently more hopeful.
My suggestion to Minister for Foreign Affairs in interview this morning that in event of missions following government to Bordeaux or elsewhere, many interests could be best subserved by my remaining in Paris was most cordially received. British Ambassador also informed me that French Government removing gold from Paris. I am contemplating transferring the $150,000 gold from safe deposit vaults to Embassy so that it may be available in case of necessity.