File No. 763.72111Od2/3
The British Ambassador (Spring Rice) to the Secretary of State
Sir: According to information which has reached me from Porto Rico, the German ship Odenwald is preparing to leave port.
Rumours have also reached this Embassy that it is intended to employ the vessel for belligerent purposes.
Information of a similar nature has no doubt reached your Department, and in making the communication I beg to refer to previous correspondence on the subject of neutrality and to express every confidence that the United States. Government will take such steps as may be right and proper in the circumstances.
I have [etc.]