File No. 351.622a/28
The Ambassador in France (Sharp) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6.20 p. m.]
1194. I immediately brought substance Department’s 1295 to attention Minister for Foreign Affairs, who informed me that French Government would proceed at once to consult with her ally, Great Britain, regarding assurance desired, as to future attitude towards alien enemies on American ships. He stated that in his judgment it might be difficult to differentiate between persons actually incorporated in enemies’ armed forces and those who were acting as paid agents (French Government had been informed of serious plots and spying by such agents). He also stated that captain of Descartes had been ordered to act with greatest care and circumspection and not to stop any more American vessels.
Minister for Foreign Affairs expressed satisfaction over the prompt release of the men and concluded his remarks by saying that French Government was most anxious to remove any possible cause of friction between France and United States.