File No. 763.72/48
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
Berlin, August 1, 1914, 12 noon.
[Received 3:45 p.m.]
[Telegram]
Formally asked by Foreign Minister if United States will take over German embassies in France and Russia and any other countries with which Germany may be at war. Asked you this question yesterday by cable but received no answer.
Call your attention again to need of despatch boat to keep communication open which should bring gold for Americans here from their friends and that you arrange to send ships to take off Americans here. German ships now New York might come by international arrangement. Suppose I shall be asked to take over embassies here and will assent unless you instruct contrary. Informed by [Page 27] Foreign Minister Russia when asked to recall mobilization order refused alleging could not for technical reasons. My opinion, based on preparations British Embassy to leave and other information, England will be in war. Universal opinion here Japan will attack us. Bourse closed; gold hard to get; provisions doubled in price.