File No. 763.72114A/269
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall)
3293. For Garrett:
Your 23, October 25, 9 a.m. After consultation with the Secretary of War, it is the position of this Government that Germany should accord to all Germans naturalized by the United States between August 4, 1914, and April 6, 1917, as well as prior to August 4, 1914, who may be captured by Germany while members of our forces, the same treatment as accorded to all other American prisoners of war. It should be made clear that in case any discriminatory treatment is meted out to such naturalized Americans, such discrimination will be promptly met with whatever strict and severe retaliatory measures shall be deemed necessary by the Government of the United States to protect these naturalized Americans and to insure their treatment in the same manner as other prisoners of war.
As to treatment of such prisoners of war who have been naturalized by either country since April 6, 1917, Department is considering power of President to recognize naturalization of Americans under German law and will instruct you further with regard thereto if you so desire.