File No. 711.5914/57
Minister Egan to the Secretary of State
Copenhagen, April 10, 1916.
Sir: I have the honor, supplementing my telegraphic despatch No. 230 of March 30, 11 p.m., to report that further communication with the Foreign Office convinces me of the fact that the rumors of strained relations between the United States and Germany is the sole cause of the delay and that, as soon as I can overcome this fear, the negotiations will proceed smoothly. The Foreign Minister said:
My Government will submit a counter project as soon as possible and will expedite the negotiations. It is, however, impossible to sign the treaty without having discussed the details with the various Danish authorities interested. Moreover, the political situation is such that—though willing to do our utmost in the matter—we must be careful to choose the opportune moment for bringing the matter, which is closely connected with the general political situation, to the knowledge of the public without injuring Danish interests. On one side, the Danish Government, as far as it is concerned, deems it a favorable moment to carry out the plan while others interested are otherwise occupied, but, on the other side, there is or is said to be a tension between the United States and one of the belligerent powers whose feelings it is of importance for us to take into consideration.
I have [etc.]