File No. 763.72114/2441
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia ( Francis)
1278. Your 1047, February 18, 5 p.m.1 On March 8, Department through Embassy, Vienna, telegraphed full explanation to Austro-Hungarian Foreign Office of the difficulties you encounter in carrying on work of caring for Austro-Hungarian interests when not handled in connection with those of Germany, and requested an expression of its desires. In reply, dated March 18, Foreign Office earnestly asks that in view of Embassy’s most effective protection of Austro-Hungarian subjects in the past you continue in that protection.
Department, though fully appreciating your position, can pursue no other course at present than to instruct you to proceed with Austro-Hungarian relief work. If you find the difficulties insuperable for effective care of interests please report.
- Not printed.↩