File No. 861.48/225
King George V to President Wilson
[Copy received by telegraph and transmitted by the British Ambassador to the Secretary of State, August 12, 1916.]
Great and Good Friend:2 I have received with deep interest and sympathy the letter which you addressed to me on July 20 in regard to the sufferings of Poland. My Government in consultation with my allies have already replied to the appeal received from the Government of the United States on this subject. They have offered their assistance in relieving all territories in the occupation of my [Page 908] enemies upon conditions which I think will be recognized in all neutral countries as moderate and reasonable.
In reply to this offer the German Government have stated that all outside assistance can be dispensed with in Poland in view of the near approach of the harvest.
My Government continue to communicate with the Government of the United States on the whole subject and I shall follow the result of these communications with the deepest interest, since the condition of the Poles as well as of the Serbs and other allied populations in invaded territories is a subject which must increasingly arouse the sympathy and anxiety of the Allied Governments as the war is prolonged.
Your Good Friend,
- The original autographed letter as received by President Wilson bears the salutation “Your Excellency.”↩