File No. 704.6261
The Chargé d’Affaires in Russia (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
St. Petersburg, August 1, 1914.
[Received 9:02 p.m.]
[Telegram]
About 6 p.m. German Ambassador presented German declaration of war against Russia at Foreign Office. He then sent for me and asked me to take charge of Embassy premises and German interests. I replied I could do so only on instructions from the Department, which are hereby requested. Bavarian Minister unless instructed to contrary will transfer all his official property to German Embassy in order that this Embassy may also take charge of them. A force of clerks and servants will remain at German Embassy. Ambassador and staff expect to leave to-morrow and have asked for American [Page 29] flag in case of necessity. This I shall not give, taking for granted that the Department has already granted German request, which I am told was made Washington two days ago.