File No. 763.72115/2061

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard )

[Telegram]

3111. Under instructions from his Government the Belgian Minister here has brought to my attention the removal, by order of the German military governor at Lille, of the male and female population of the Department of Nord, France, ranging in age between 14 and 60 years. It is reported that these people are to be transported to Germany and are to be employed in farming and harvesting. The Belgian Government, feeling that a similar measure may be taken with the population of occupied Belgium, has requested this Government to bring to the attention of the German Government that such an act would be in violation of international law as well as the law of humanity.

Please communicate the above without comment to the Imperial Foreign Office and report its reply by cable.

Lansing