File No. 763.72/2365
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 31, 8.15 a. m.]
4007. Colonel House has just received from Zimmermann following letter dated 29th instant:
My Dear Colonel: With reference to the conversation I had with you this noon about the Lusitania matter, I am sorry to say that the latest proposal which has just been transmitted to us by Count Bernstorff is not acceptable for the Imperial Government. While we are perfectly willing to settle the incident in a way which seems acceptable to the United States Government, the latest proposal contains the following two sentences, to the underlined passages of which we could not possibly agree: “thereby the German retaliation affected neutrals which was not the intention, as retaliation becomes an illegal act if applied to other than enemy subjects,” and “The Imperial Government, having subsequent to the event issued to its naval officers the new instructions which are now prevailing, expressing profound regret that citizens of the United States suffered by the sinking of the Lusitania, and recognizing the illegality of causing thereby danger, and admitting liabilities, therefore offers to make reparation for the life of the citizens of the United States who were lost by the payment of a suitable indemnity.”
I am afraid that if the United States Government insists on this wording, a break will be unavoidable, which, I am sure, you would regret just as much as I would for the reasons we both recognized as most important for the future policy and the welfare of the white races.
After all the trouble which has been taken on both sides to smooth matters over, I am not yet willing to believe that things are quite as bad as they seem, and I think there ought to be a way out of it. But the proposed wording, which practically amounts to declaring submarine warfare illegal, could never be approved by the German Government and would besides not be tolerated by public opinion in Germany, which cannot be brushed aside entirely.
I should be much obliged to you, my dear Colonel, if you could see your way to bring the above to the knowledge of the President in the way you so kindly suggested.
Thanking you in advance for your kind offices and wishing you and Mrs. House bon voyage and a safe return, I am [etc.]
Zimmermann
Colonel House leaving for Paris to-night and will cable from there. In the meantime Colonel House suggests no action.