File No. 763.72/1172
The Minister in Norway (Schmedeman) to the Secretary of State
Christiania, November 4, 1914, 5 p.m.
[Received November 5, 8 a.m.]
[Telegram]
The Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me he has received a note from the British Government saying that British Admiralty [Page 465] has issued statement that after November 5 the North Sea must be considered military area. Vessels sailing for and from the United States must change their route and pass through English Channel. Norwegian American Line have informed the Minister for Foreign Affairs they can not run their large steamships on this route owing to low water. This would seriously affect American exports. Norwegian Government has requested British Government to change route. If this is not granted Norway, Sweden, and Denmark will probably protest.