File No. 763.72/1478
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 19, 4.30 p. m.]
1622. German note which arrived late last night enciphered by the members of staff who worked all night now being cabled you. Hope you can force England to permit foodstuffs and raw materials to enter Germany, in which case proposed blockade will be withdrawn and in all probability I can arrange that no further reference will be made to the question of export of arms and ammunition. If you cannot arrange with England then I can arrange convoy of American ships by American war vessels say from Bantry Bay to Cardiff and also establishment of Newcastle as a port to which American ships can sail safely around north of Scotland but under our guarantee to carry no contraband, England to give guarantee that no ships other than neutrals giving such guarantee and coasting vessels will enter such port. Am waiting your directions.