File No. 840.48/7
The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State
Paris, August 5, 1914, 1 p.m.
[Received 1:30 p.m.]
[Telegram]
Following addressed to me by Judge Gary, chairman of the American committee:
There are estimated to be at least 30,000 Americans in Europe desirous of returning to America. Conditions relating to food, shelter, and lack of funds make it imperative that transportation facilities be furnished by American Government, as present limited means of transportation will not suffice to convey them to America within six months.
Therefore we earnestly request you to obtain authorization of American Government for you to secure immediately the use of such ships as can be obtained in Europe flying neutral flags and also that the American Government be urged to secure promptly transports or other craft in American or other waters and placed at your disposal or of some other official in order to relieve distressing conditions.