The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Herrick )1
Washington , August 20, 1914, 8 p.m.
[Telegram]
Department has been informed from London that British Foreign Office sees no objection to German passenger steamers now lying in American ports being used by the American Government, under the American flag, commanded by American officers, to bring stranded Americans back from Europe. Department understands that German Government is willing that this should be done. You will present this matter informally to the Foreign Office and ascertain whether, in view of the above facts, the French Government would be disposed to agree with the British view.
- The same, mutatis mutandis, to the Ambassadors in Germany and Austria-Hungary.↩