File No. 811.203/29
The Secretary of State to the French Ambassador ( Jusserand)
Excellency: Referring to your note of July 11, 1918, in which, with reference to the exchange of notes between the Governments of the United States and of France respecting military penal jurisdiction, you advised me that your Government notes that it has thereby relinquished the right to seek and prosecute the French deserters and delinquents who might come to France as members” of the American Army, and pointed out the awkward consequences that may proceed from the operation of those provisions, which the French Government believe it very important to remedy, I have now the honor to inform you of the receipt of a letter on this subject from the Secretary of War.
[Page 751]Secretary Baker states that this matter has been called to the attention of the Commanding General of the American Expeditionary Forces, with instructions to take steps to correct this situation. The Secretary of War adds that any assistance which the French Government can render the Commanding General of the American Expeditionary Forces in locating men of the classes referred to by Your Excellency will facilitate a proper disposition of their cases.
Accept [etc.]