File No. 811.142/1427
The Ambassador in Austria-Hungary (Penfield) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 27, 9.30 p. m.]
1167. Your 1137, February 24, 7 p. m. Following telegraphed to Legation, Bucharest, on 24th instant for communication to Stuart:
Lieutenant Colonel Gellinek, Chief of Staff of Governor of Belgrade, now in Vienna, states that American Red Cross relief measures for civil population of Serbia are not considered of sufficient magnitude to warrant continuance present scheme. Representatives were expelled from Belgrade not because of conduct but because movement did not seem serious. The authorities consequently did not propose, he said, to permit American Red Cross participation in relief measures to insignificant degree and then to claim all the credit; that if they were in earnest they should send experienced and mature representatives and furnish two or three million crowns’ worth foodstuffs which would, however, have to be distributed by the military authorities. Lieutenant Colonel Gellinek did not seem disposed to discuss the question. Ministry for Foreign Affairs later recited foregoing as attitude of military authorities and, while regretting occurrence, stated that it would seem inadvisable to attempt resumption until assurances could be given of more extensive measures. Am of opinion reasons assigned but thinly veil determination of military authorities to keep all neutrals, and especially Americans, out of occupied territory.
Following received to-day:
Bucharest , [February] 25 [1916].
Your 83. Have notified Stuart, but I told him to wait here until you will receive answer to the following: You may assure Austrian Government that not only flour, etc., which Stuart bought for Serbian relief will be sent at once, but that I have been promised one hundred carloads of maize and a hundred carloads flour which would be shipped immediately if the distribution is entirely left in the hands of American Red Cross and if they receive the assurance of sufficient cooperation of the military authorities. These supplies are valued one million crowns, and if more is needed for Serbian relief I am sure I can get it, so that total will equal or exceed same amount stated by Austrian authorities.
Your instructions are awaited before proceeding further.