File No. 763.72111/180
The French Ambassador ( Jusserand ) to the Secretary of State
Washington , September 15, 1914.
[Received September 17.]
[Translation]
Mr. Secretary of State: My Government has just heard that on the 11th of this month, three German steamers were loading large quantities of coal in Manila.
In a general way, according to the reports that have come to the knowledge of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that port seems to be a center of indirect replenishment for German warships.
By order of my Government, I have the honor to draw the Federal Government’s attention to this situation, and I should be very thankful to your excellency if you would kindly let me know what measures the Government of the United States may think it possible to take so as to bring these operations to an end.
Be pleased to accept [etc.]