File No. 763.72112/704
The French Ambassador (Jusserand) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 8.]
Mr. Secretary of State: My Government informs me that the German Federal Council, by order dated the 25th ultimo, decreed the seizure by the German authorities of all the flour and cereals then in the Empire or which might reach it on and after the first of this month.
In compliance with instructions received I have the honor to call to your excellency’s attention one of the effects necessarily produced by that decree which is to make that class of merchandise, listed as conditional contraband, liable to capture whoever may be the consignee named in the bill of lading. For their mere arrival in Germany places them, by virtue of the aforesaid decree, at the disposal of the enemy.
Be pleased to accept [etc.]