File No. 763.72111/4455
The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 26, 4 p.m.]
4925. Learn fair authority that Dr. Hale, who represents Hearst papers here, has assured Foreign Office that Germany can go on and fire on armed enemy merchant vessels as President will do nothing. Also learn on good authority that you [have received?] memorandum on firing on armed enemy merchant vessels stating that English have employed such ships offensively against submarine boats and that, [Page 95] therefore, such ships will in the future be treated as war vessels sunk without notice. Do you not think I ought to be informed if such a document has been presented, and as to whether a change of policy is contemplated, and status of negotiations, if any?