File No. 763.72/2292
The German Ambassador (Bernstorff) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 2.]
Mr. Secretary of State: By direction of my Government I have the honor to ask of your excellency that orders be issued to the commanding officers of American warships in the Mediterranean to display the national flag so that it can be clearly seen by day and to [Page 1055] keep the ship and flag sufficiently lighted by night, in order to avoid their being mistaken for warships of the states at war with the Central powers.
The Imperial Government has the honor to offer this suggestion with a view to preventing error in submarine attacks.
Accept [etc.]
Counselor of Embassy