File No. 855.48/570
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6 p.m.]
5992. Following is substance of protest I have received from Belgian Relief Commission which Hoover desires transmitted through neutral channels to German Government.1
German Government notified commission February 2 that no protection would be given relief ships except by route north of duly declared war zone. Ships then in war zone must leave by most direct route before certain date. Forty-seven thousand tons foodstuff then in stock in United Kingdom awaiting shipment Rotterdam; over 49,000 tons at sea arrived United Kingdom later. Overlapping of war zone with mine zones made proposed German route impracticable. War zone readjusted, northern route to Rotterdam reopened 28th February when traffic resumed. Safe-conduct passes issued by Swiss Minister, Washington; safe-conduct ships from United Kingdom refused until 3d April. Twenty-four thousand [Page 661] tons delivered Rotterdam during February; 9,000, March. Relief commission requires 120,000 tons per month foodstuff. Situation now most critical. German submarines have failed to adhere to any of the undertakings guaranteeing safety to commission ships. Following ships carrying commission markings and safe-conduct passes torpedoed outside war zone with considerable loss life in last two weeks during broad daylight. Euphrates, 4,250 tons; Feistein, 4,600 tons; Trevier, 4,300 tons; Anna Forstenes, 3,000 tons; Camilla, 2,600 tons. Two others reported lost; three other ships shelled and escaped sinking but with loss of life. Since 28th February six steamers arrived Rotterdam, five sunk in violation of undertakings to Spanish and Dutch Governments. Sinking brings sacrifice of innocent seamen and suffering to 10,000,000 Belgian, French men, women, children. In view of fact that four last torpedoed steamers sailed from America under safe-conduct, Swiss Minister, Washington, it is desirable vigorous protest be made to German Government through Swiss Government.
- This protest was forwarded to the Spanish Ambassador for transmission to the German Government, May 18, 1917.↩