File No. 763.72119/8389
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Austria-Hungary ( Penfield )
1580. Your 1730, February 27. Assure Count Czernin that his confidence will be strictly observed and that all interchanges will remain secret.
You may further say to him that this Government appreciates the embarrassments of the Austro-Hungarian Government in discussing the desirability of obtaining assurances under present conditions. But, as the present seems opportune for that purpose while doing so at a later time, if certain events should take place, might be impossible or ineffective, this Government earnestly hopes that Count Czernin will reconsider the subject giving especial weight to the fact [Page 64] that conditions in the future may be far less favorable to Austria-Hungary than they are at present. It must be manifest to Count Czernin that this Government in again addressing him on a subject which can only be for the future welfare of his country is inspired by a disinterested desire to be helpful. It would be regrettable if certain perfectly frank interchanges of intention were not made before the progress of the war prevents even their consideration. This Government is loath to believe that Count Czernin is unwilling to obtain for his country certain advantages which this Government feels might be obtained under existing conditions which may not continue long and may not come again.
In presenting the foregoing orally to Count Czernin you will follow the same precautions as to secrecy as set forth in Department’s instruction 1566, February 22.