File No. 763.72114/2781
The Ambassador in France ( Sharp) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 27, 10.30 a.m.]
2330. My 2307, July 18.1 Foreign Office informs me that only parcels destined to British prisoners of war in Turkey and Austria-Hungary pass through France. Those for prisoners in Germany are forwarded through Dutch and Danish channels. These parcels are accompanied by certificates which ensure their transit through France without further formalities.
Bread destined to British prisoners of war in Germany is made in Switzerland from flour supplied by British Government which indicates to French Government monthly quantity required for which free passage is allowed through France. Free transit is allowed also parcels forwarded from Great Britain to British prisoners interned in Switzerland, accompanied by railway documents.
Note states that French Government is entirely disposed to grant similar facilities for shipments for American prisoners in enemy countries or in Switzerland but, as regards consignments to Germany, it would be well for American Government to make an arrangement with Swiss Government similar to the one made by the British in order that no difficulty should arise both as regards parcels and bread in Danish territory. Foreign Office requests that it receive in due time specimens of certificates which will accompany parcels from America to Germany as well as information as to various quantities of flour which will be sent to Switzerland for making bread.
As regards the purchase in France of food and clothing pending arrival of shipping from the United States, Foreign Office states that on account of the difficulty arising from the present situation in [Page 6] France the Government, to its great regret, is not in a position to satisfy a request of this nature and expresses the hope that the American Government may establish forthwith in France a depot of stores for the purpose. The sample of certificates sent with note covers following points: name of forwarding agent in Switzerland; statement that package contains comforts for American prisoners of war giving name of country where prisoner is located, this statement being in French, English, and in the language of the country of destination; the number of the case, list of contents, number of packages and a statement that the contents have been verified; by whom forwarded, with address and a statement that it is sent in bond giving the name of the place to which it is sent and from where it was forwarded.
- Not printed; see Department’s telegram No. 2418, July 5, supra. ↩