File No. 763.72/2412a
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of Commerce (Redfield)
Sir: As you are aware, this Department, since February 19, 1915, in compliance with the request of the German Government, has been transmitting to that Government, through the American Embassy at Berlin, information concerning the sailings and arrivals of American vessels, giving as complete details as possible.
I now have the honor to advise you, for the information of the Bureau of Navigation, that, although the Department will continue to transmit such information regarding American passenger vessels, it is considered inadvisable at this time to send to the German Government any information concerning the departure and arrival of ships carrying freight only, other than to neutral ports.
I have [etc.]