File No. 763.72116/532
The Chargé in Switzerland ( Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 12, 1.56 a.m.]
2617. Referring to my 2615 today’s date transmitting protest of International Committee of Red Cross against use of poison gas. I have received a confidential and personal appeal for President Wilson from Naville and Ferrière, President and Vice President of International Committee respectively, that as a matter of high moral strategy President and Allies should without a day’s delay unanimously adopt the appeal of Red Cross and agree to act upon it, providing the Central Powers will do the same. They add that there is no probability that the Central Empire will consent, but that the Allies will have won an immense moral victory and will also be in a position to command the support of the world and especially of such humanitarian organizations as the Red Cross.