File No. 763.72115/2612
The Chargé in Germany (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 6, 5 p. m.]
4689. Department’s 3621, November 29, 3 p. m.1 I saw the Chancellor to-day at the first possible opportunity and made representations as instructed. After I had repeated to him verbatim and given him a copy in writing of the Department’s representations regarding the Belgian deportations, he said that he would reply formally within a few days, but for the present he wished to say informally that he could not acknowledge that these deportations were contrary to international law. He understood America’s interest in Belgium, but called attention to the forcing by the Entente of Roumania and Greece and asked how this had impressed America. He spoke of the unbelievable conditions in Greece and asked if they could be compared to those obtaining in Belgium. He then said that this policy in Belgium was not his wish, but that the German Government had been forced to it by the Entente.
After some further informal conversation regarding the deportation measures in Belgium, I turned to the subject contained in the latter part of the Department’s telegram and made representations as directed. The Chancellor listened respectfully, but made no comment and said that he would send for me in a few days as he wished to talk the matter over with Zimmermann before replying.