File No. 763.72/1918
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany (Gerard)
1915. The suggestions contained in your 2543 and 2544 are receiving attentive consideration.
The belief in Germany as reported in your 2544 regarding the resignation of Mr. Bryan is entirely erroneous. Mr. Bryan is not endeavoring to influence public opinion against this Government and he will support the President. As far as one can judge, the country is almost unanimous in its hearty support of the President.
We do not think it advisable at present to enter negotiations on the subject of the German reply. The position of the United States was fully set forth in its instruction to you of June 9 and we do not feel that the principles upon which this Government stands can be properly the subject of preliminary negotiations.