File No. 763.72112/2707
The Ambassador in France ( Sharp ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 9, 2 p. m.]
1479. Foreign Office request me to inform you that French and British Governments have decided to discontinue the observance of rules of Declaration of London, and to be guided by the principles of international law instead. Reasons for such action are set forth in memorandum of which the following is the substance:1
Successive modifications in Declaration of London having led to false interpretations of the Allies’ intention, they declare solemnly that they will continue to observe the ancient rules of international law and will conform notably to the dispositions of international conventions regarding the laws of war and that, respectful of law and humanity, they reject any idea of menacing the existence of non-combatants, that they will not make any unjustified assault upon the property of neutrals, and that in case damages be caused by their naval action to bona fide merchants, they will always be prepared to investigate the claims and to make due reparation.
Full text of memorandum by mail.
- Telegram No. 1480, same date, giving the decree, and telegram of July 10, 1916, from the Consul General at London, reporting identical action by the British Government, are not printed. Full text of the memorandum, order in council, and decree, as received by mail July 24, 25, 1916, are printed post, pp. 413, 414, 417.↩