File No. 195.1/400a
Memorandum by the Secretary of State, February 13, 1915
February 13, 1915
The Russian Ambassador called about February 1 and, referring to the possibility of purchasing belligerent ships if the ship purchase bill passed, stated that his Government adhered to the French position on the subject. I refused to discuss the question with him on the ground that, as the bill did not compel the purchase of belligerent ships, we might not have to consider the question.