File No. 763.72/39
The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State
Paris, July 31, 1914, 5 p.m.
[Received 6:45 p.m.]
[Telegram]
The Government refused recommendation of financiers for a moratorium on the ground of confession of weakness to Germany. Allard Bank closed on failure to meet engagement of one million dollars in gold expected from Russia, Germany, and England. Their application to the Bank of France for money to tide them over was refused on account of their German connections. Other banks have practically suspended payment. There is a persistent rumor from reliable sources that France will order mobilization to-night.
Learning that Embassy at London is authorized to issue emergency passports to continental travelers, I shall do likewise unless ordered to the contrary.