File No. 763.72/2364
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 30, 6.20 p. m.]
3408. Why not close the submarine incidents as follows: Give out a statement stating that Germany in the settlement of the Arabic case and in the Frye note had stated (quote from these notes); and that now, following this, and with reference to the Lusitania case the German Government had stated that it had commenced its submarine warfare in retaliation for the illegal acts of England; that the sinking of the Lusitania, in the carrying out of this retaliation, had affected neutral American rights which was contrary to the intention of the German Government; that the German Government has expressed profound regret that citizens [Page 154] of the United States suffered by the sinking of the Lusitania and has offered to make reparation by the payment of a suitable indemnity and has given the instructions referred to in the above notes with reference to the placing of the passengers and crews in safety before the sinking of any ship.
The above embodies the form of note which I understand (from Zimmermann letter to Colonel House) the German Government is willing to send. Please inform the President that Colonel House hopes that some such arrangement may be arrived at.