File No. 840.48/279
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
Berlin , August 15, 1914.
[Received 7:10 p.m.]
[Telegram]
Hamburg-American Line and German Government have most kindly consented that one of German Hamburg-American boats now in New York shall sail from America to Germany around north of [Page 480] Scotland to German port for sole purpose of taking Americans home. Hamburg-American Line consents that American naval crew take charge, keeping, of course, part of German crew and officers on board. Boat to be under United States flag for the trip and return to America around north of Scotland and then remain in New York as before until end of war. I will sell tickets here before boat leaves America so as to see that it is worth while for boat to start. American Embassy, Rome, informs me all boats full until October. American Legation, Hague, reports American Embassy, London, says only sailing American Line certain. Suggest you ask British Government both to consent to this and to arrange with France and other powers at war to agree.