File No. 763.72/2311
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 19, 3.45 p. m.]
3238. Chancellor sent for me this morning and said he was anxious to keep friendly relations between America and Germany and arrange the Ancona and Lusitania cases, but that he could not communicate readily in cipher with German Ambassador, Washington, which greatly added to difficulty of situation. He hopes that in future that some arrangement may be made allowing him to communicate with Bernstorff in cipher and without delays. I told him I would take responsibility of forwarding any cipher cablegram he sent me now and until further notice from you.