File No. 351.622a/27
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Sharp )
1295. French Ambassador has informed the Department that his Government has ordered the release of all the Austrians and Germans recently seized by the French cruiser Descartes. Please continue to press for prompt reply to your representations. Mere release without announcement of future policy will not be regarded by American shipowners as a satisfactory solution of the question. Feeling here can only be satisfied by a statement in the reply of the French Government that alien enemies on board neutral vessels will not be molested on the high seas unless they are incorporated in the armed forces of the enemy. Shipowners are pressing Department for definite information as to attitude of French Government. Department anxious for immediate report as to progress and probable character of the French reply.