File No. 124.62/21
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 6, 3.55 p.m.]
5002. Foreign Office informs me that I and my staff will not be permitted to leave Germany until definite information is received regarding arrangements made for departure of Count Bernstorff and his staff from the United States. Please answer urgently with full details also as to consuls. Foreign Office will send cable to Bernstorff in cipher which censor at Sayville has and hopes it will be delivered. We are not allowed to telegraph to our consuls until we hear your dispositions what [as to] German consuls then on [return]. Reports here German ships and crews have been seized, and Foreign Office says prisoners on Yarrowdale will not be released until news comes that these reports are not true.