File No. 763.72111D48/14b
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany (Gerard)1
3195. Your 4123, July 15, 1 p. m. On July 9, German submarine Deutschland arrived in Baltimore bringing cargo dyestuffs. Question as to whether Deutschland was war vessel or merchantman was immediately referred to proper authorities, and after careful investigation and consideration, experts reported that they believed it to be merchantman. This Department announced that in view of the circumstances in this particular case, there was no reason for regarding Deutschland as a war vessel. Decision rendered promptly as circumstances permitted.
Newspapers here, and apparently newspapers in England, have printed many misleading statements as coming from Department. Department carefully refrained from making any comment. You may formally advise Foreign Office. Confidential. Inasmuch as merchant submarine presents new problem, Department careful to create no precedents.
- The same, except for initial reference, to the Ambassador in Great Britain, No. 3525.↩