File No. 165.102/66
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
Berlin , September 25, 1914, 2 p.m.
[Received 11 a.m.]
[Telegram]
33. Referring to question of export of dyestuffs, cyanide, medicines, etc., the position of the German Government that they will only permit export in American ships, or possibly from Italy, seems so extraordinary that there must be something behind it. I think this is the fact, that England has threatened Holland that she will declare war if Holland ships carry goods to or from Germany, and that Germany does not force the situation to keep Holland neutral at all events. This is confirmed by a conversation which must remain confidential which I had with the Dutch Minister here. He told me that because of informal threats from England, Dutch vessels sailing from New York were compelled to refuse cargoes of flour or anything that might benefit Germany. I suggest, if persons interested in America want dyestuffs, cyanide, chemicals, and medicines from Germany, that boat under American flag be sent immediately to Rotterdam.