Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1918, Supplement 2, The World War

File No. 311.62/1895

The Swiss Chargé ( Hübscher) to the Secretary of State

Department of
German Interests
I–d–11

Memorandum

The Chargé d’Affaires a. i., of Switzerland, representing German interests in the United States, presents his compliments to the Secretary of State, and has the honor to enclose copy of a note verbale which the German Government forwarded through the Swiss Foreign Office, for transmission to the United States Government protesting against the treatment of German subjects in the Dominican Republic.

Washington , June 1, 1918.
[Received June 29.]

[Enclosure—Translation]

The German Foreign Office to the Swiss Legation at Berlin

No. III–B–17641/74571

Note Verbale

The German Government understands that the Germans in the Dominican Republic are subjected to the most shameful treatment by the local authorities. The most respectable members of the German colony are even thrown into prison without apparent cause. From what has been learned here, the German Government has not the least doubt that the Dominican authorities are so acting under the pressure of the Government of the United States of America.

The Foreign Office would be thankful to the Swiss Legation if it would use its good offices in having the Swiss Legation at Washington instructed by cable to lodge with the Government there an emphatic protest against these proceedings.

It must also be asked that it be made clear to that Government that the German Government will hold it responsible for any injury that the Germans herein referred to may suffer in their life, health, or property from the outrageous proceeding of the Dominican authorities.

Berlin, May 16, 1918.