File No. 763.72114/894

The Ambassador in Russia (Marye) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

334. Embassy’s 327, 23d.2 American Red Cross contingent for German, Austrian prisoners. Foreign Office states plan to perform medical and nursing service among prisoners does not seem practical; first, because not in accord with proposal submitted by President to Emperor, which stated organization would be employed only in distributing necessary articles medical and sanitary supplies; secondly, [because] difficulties would arise if foreign nurses [and] doctors ignorant of Russian or requirements Russian ambulance service, were included in Russian hospitals and allowed to wear Russian uniforms corresponding their rank. Therefore, Foreign Office proposes work of party be confined to visiting internment camps, distributing assistance, and studying Russian method of medical treatment of prisoners. Ministry asks to be furnished with documentary evidence of citizenship and nationality nurses.

Marye
  1. Not printed.