File No. 763.72/853
The German Ambassador (Bernstorff) to the Secretary of State
New York, September 10, 1914.
[Received September 12.]
[Translation]
Mr. Secretary of State: By direction of my Government, I have the honor respectfully to bring the following to your excellency’s knowledge:
No foundation for idea prevalent among neutrals abroad that sea trade with Germany is tied up by blockade of German ports. No port is blockaded and nothing stands in the way of neutral states’ sea trade with Germany.
[Page 460]Assertions from England that North Sea is infested with German mines incorrect.
Neutral vessels bound for German North Sea ports should steer by day for a point 10 nautical miles northwest of Helgoland. There German pilots will be provided to bring ships into port.
Neutral vessels should steer direct for Baltic Sea ports, off every one of which there are pilots.
Prohibition of coal export not extended to bunker coal, and coaling assured.
Accept [etc.]