File No. 763.72/1732
The Ambassador in Turkey ( Morgenthau ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 5, 8 a. m.]
631. With reference to my telegram 623. I am making every effort to persuade Turkish government not to expose non-combatant British and French subjects here to bombardment at Dardanelles. I have pleaded with German Ambassador to use his influence but could not [obtain] any assurance of assistance. German Ambassador informed me that as two English submarine boats are in the Marmora some belligerents would henceforth be placed on every Turkish transport ship. Respectfully suggest to Department advisability of bringing this to notice of German Government and asking if it wishes to accept responsibility for practices of this nature. As deportation to the Dardanelles is contemplated for Thursday, the matter is urgent.