File No. 763.72114/224

The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

1595. Your 963, January 15,1 duly communicated to British Government who now reply accepting all your three points except suggestion under point number two regarding direct correspondence of prisoners with their governments which must remain subject to the control of British authorities.

British Government add the hope that I will therefore consider myself justified in at once taking charge of the preliminary sum of £20,000 for the relief of British prisoners of war and interned civilians in Germany, but I have replied that I do not feel able to do so without your authority and unless I am informed that Gerard is able to use this sum advantageously without waiting for the institution of the official organization proposed. I ask for definite instructions on this last point.

Grey’s communication is only another evidence of the eagerness of his Government to have the arrangement put through, and they anxiously await an answer from Berlin to their proposition which Gerard has submitted under your instructions. It is very desirable that this be expedited.

American Ambassador
  1. Ante, p. 1004.