The Secretary of State to the German Ambassador (Bernstorff)
Excellency: I am in receipt of your note of the 18th instant relating to various allegations and criticisms appearing in the press of this country, which reflect upon the conduct of representatives of your Government in the United States.
Although these statements have not been formally brought to the attention of this Department, I appreciate your courtesy in laying the matter before me and in setting forth in such detail your views in regard to it. Your comments and explanations will receive my careful consideration for it is the sincere desire of this Government, as I believe it to be of your excellency’s Government, to remove all causes of irritation in our relations.
Accept [etc.]