File No. 763.72119/768½
The French Ambassador ( Jusserand ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19.]
My Dear Mr. Secretary: As I told you when I saw you this morning my Government would like to know whether, in the opinion of the President, the Pope’s note, drawn up, as it seems to have been, under inimical influences, demands an answer.
If the President thought it better to send one, my Government consider it would be appropriate to concert as to what should be said, so that a similar attitude be observed by those who fight on the same side of the trench.
I should be much obliged if you would enable me to inform my Government of the President’s views in the matter.
Believe me [etc.]