File No. 861.48/173
The Chargé in Great Britain (Laughlin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8.45. p. m.]
4688. My 4619, July 27.1 I am in receipt of a note from the Foreign Office from which I quote as follows:
I will not comment on the vagueness or the inaccuracies of this reply, such, for instance, as the baseless statement that it would be impossible to import any foodstuffs into Poland before October 1. Such controversy would, I feel, be useless.
His Majesty’s Government now have before them the present statement of the German Government in regard to northern Poland and the statement of the Austro-Hungarian Government in regard to Serbia which I had the honour to bring to the attention of the United States Government in my note of July 20. Both statements are diametrically opposed to the assertions of those who submit constant appeals to the Allied Governments on behalf of these occupied territories.
His Majesty’s Government note that in the opinion of the German Government, which may now be regarded as in control of Austria-Hungary also, further negotiations are devoid of purpose. In these circumstances His Majesty’s Government feel that they can do no more, and they must leave it to the Government of the United States to take such further steps, if any, as they shall think right and useful.