File No. 763.72/1992C
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard )
[Telegram]
Washington
,
July 19, 1915, 3 p. m.
1969. Department’s 1965, July 18, 7 p. m. In any discussion arising over Bernstorff’s message you should make it clear that the Lusitania case is incidental to issue of principle as to safeguarding neutrals on the high seas; that admission of liability as to Americans on Lusitania will not be sufficient unless avoidance of future acts is substantially assured.
Lansing