File No. 763.72111/4473

The Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

4951. My 4925. Your 3834. I have now been given by friend in high office here a copy of the German memorandum about armed merchant vessels which I am told Bernstorff has delivered to you. My copy is undated, is in German, and is headed “Memorandum of the German Government concerning the defensively armed enemy merchant vessels.” It cites evidence and certain specific cases tending to prove that French and British merchant vessels are armed for offensive purposes and states that the German Government has come to the conclusion that such ships must be treated as ships of war. In this connection it refers to Mr. Lansing’s note of January 18, 1916, to the British Ambassador1 in which it is clearly stated that [Page 97] at the present time all arming of merchant vessels would appear to have the character of offensive armament since the mounting of guns on merchant vessels can only be declared to have the intention of enabling the merchant vessels to prevent warning and search on the part of submarine boats. If you desire full copy we shall translate and cable.

Gerard