Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 7, 1915

File No. 838.00/1220.

The Secretary of State to Chargé Davis.

[Telegram.]

Department of State,
Washington, July 28, 1915—6 p.m.

Navy Department is instructing Admiral Caperton to land marines at his discretion at earliest opportunity and to request British and French not to land marines and to assure them that the American forces will protect foreign interests. Discreetly repeat this to your British and French colleagues, giving them ample assurance of the intention of this Government to protect the interests of their nationals.

You will confer and cooperate with Admiral Caperton in all possible ways and keep the Department fully informed by frequent telegraphic reports.

Lansing.