File No. 763.72/2630

The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

3799. Your 2927,1 April 22. As near as I can remember Von Jagow read the note and said: “You know we cannot give up sinking ships without notice in the war zone so it (looks like?) a break, but of course I have to consult with Chancellor who is at General Headquarters.” He then spoke of the English blockade and showed me on that day or on April 22d a wireless from Bernstorff saying that English refused to let rubber mouthpieces for babies’ nursing bottles pass blockade. He claimed that German children were dying for want of milk. I said my reports were to contrary and cited Health Commission’s report which states that infant mortality had decreased. He said he could not understand why commission gave out such a report, as he knew in certain towns there was a dearth of milk. He asked if we would not do something against [Page 243] British blockade and said we did everything against Germany and nothing against England. I said I was sure we could never agree, in return for any promise from Germany, to do anything to England. I also said it was a question of human life with Germany and of money and blockade with England. I saw Von Jagow since on April 22d and had a long conversation with him, mostly immaterial, but I gathered that he thought there was a possibility of arranging matters, and he asked me to cable about the effect of Easter holidays in answer to note.

Gerard
  1. Ante, p. 239.