File No. 763.72114A/176
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall)
2789. For Garrett:
Your 8, September 17, 10 a.m. Secretaries of State and Navy and also the War Department favor both proposals as outlined in your telegram provided that it does not appear that serious embarrassment will be caused British or French Governments thereby. If in your opinion after careful consideration such embarrassment will result, proposition if possible should be so far modified as to avoid this danger and Department should be advised fully and further instructions obtained from Department.
[Page 91]In regard to first proposal, guarantees given by German Government that exchanged prisoners will not be used by Germany or any of her allies for military or governmental purposes or for any kind of work connected with the war must be very explicit and, if possible, be capable of being checked up from time to time. In connection with second proposal, guarantees that Germany will not accept services of interned officers and will return them to status of internment if they break their paroles and escape must also be very carefully and explicitly worked out.