File No. 763.72119/10094a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Austria-Hungary ( Penfield )
1566. When there is opportunity for you to see the Minister of Foreign Affairs alone you may say to him, provided the occasion seems suitable, that you have received information from the highest authority which convinces you that in arranging terms of peace the Allied Governments have no desire or purpose to disrupt the Austro-Hungarian Empire by the separation of Hungary and Bohemia from Austria unless a continuance of the war causes a change of conditions; that undoubtedly a definite assurance of this might be obtained through this Government if the Austrian Government, indicating a desire for an early peace, wished that you should act secretly to that end; and that you would be pleased to convey to this Government any comments, suggestions or proposals in regard to this subject which the Austrian Government may be pleased to make, it being understood that whatever exchanges may take place will be treated in the strictest confidence.
You should make it perfectly clear to the Minister of Foreign Affairs before making the foregoing statement that you are about to give him information of the most confidential character and that you rely upon him to prevent it from becoming known for if it [Page 58] should through mischance become public or reach any other government you would be compelled to repudiate it.
In view of the secrecy which should be preserved in this matter you will in no circumstances commit anything you may say to writing or permit any notes to be made in your presence. You may however, if you wish, show this telegram to Grew 1 impressing upon him the importance of absolute secrecy.
The President relies upon you to use the greatest discretion in this delicate negotiation and hopes that you may soon be able to report in strict confidence the result of your interview.
- Counselor of Embassy.↩