File No. 763.72/1470

The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

1617. After reception of our note about submarine blockade I am informed leaders of political parties held meeting and insisted on very strong reply. We have not yet received reply but think reply will offer to withdraw blockade if English will adopt either Declaration of Paris or of London or permit food and raw materials to enter Germany. It will be stated that when England declared the North Sea dangerous territory American ships were not given free passage but were compelled even when on way to Holland to take English pilot and submit to search. Germany will suggest that American war vessels wait, say in Bantry Bay, and (on) wireless notice come out and convoy American ships to some English port. Of course ships convoyed cannot carry contraband but American ships were not permitted to carry contraband through that part of North Sea declared dangerous territory by English. There is a strong impression here that America is weak and partial in dealing with England and should not permit British vessels to hide behind American flag and that if Americans take passage on British vessels they accept all risks after this notice. Have just had conversation with Admiral Behncke chief navy staff. He suggested informally Cardiff as (port) to which ships might be convoyed and also suggested say Newcastle or Aberdeen as a sort of free port to which American ships might come without convoy provided our Government guarantees they carry no contraband, and because of its use of the American flag the British Government would have to guarantee on its side that no ships except neutral ships and coastwise trade would be (permitted to) enter this port and in this connection the term contraband would include food following the British rule. These are fairer than those offered by England to American ships entering the waters declared dangerous by the British proclamation but you can end the whole controversy by forcing England to permit food to go to Germany. America has always claimed food is not contraband.

Gerard