File No. 763.72/34
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
Berlin , July 31, 1914, 4 p.m.
[Received, 2:36 p.m.]
[Telegram]
In my opinion Russia’s mobilization makes war inevitable. Probable Germany will ask United States to take over embassies and [Page 24] interests Russia, France, and perhaps others. Do you assent? Thousands of Americans in Germany. Food prices already doubled. Suggest your sending navy despatch boat Hamburg for emergencies and load that boat and another with food supplies for Americans only. Also consider question of sending German boats with American passengers from German ports under international agreement might bring gold from American friends to Americans stranded here.