File No. 763.72/2569
The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador ( Spring Rice )
Sir: Confirming my conversation with your excellency of some weeks ago, in regard to the instructions which the Imperial German Government states have been issued by your excellency’s Government for the guidance of British sea captains, I have the honor to enclose alleged copies of such instructions which have been formally transmitted to this Government by the Imperial German Government.1
I have the honor to request to be informed, if there is no objection, as to whether these instructions have been issued by His Majesty’s Government and whether they are now in force, and if they are not in force what instructions have subsequently been issued by the British Government to British merchantmen, and, further, whether British sea captains are bound to obey any such instructions issued to them under a penalty for neglect to do so.
I would appreciate it if your excellency could find it possible to furnish me with this information as promptly as possible.
I have [etc.]