File No. 763.72/40
The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State
Paris, July 31, 1914, 8 p.m.
[Received 9:50 p.m.]
[Telegram]
German Ambassador informs me that he has just received instructions from his Government to ask French Government whether they will maintain neutrality in Europe and requests answer by one o’clock to-night. He anticipates immediate reply in the negative. He believes that German Ambassador at Washington has asked the United States to take charge of German Embassy and consulates in France in event of negative reply. German Ambassador here would expect to have American flag raised over German Embassy.
Most important to have immediate instructions.