861.00/3862: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Sharp) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received February 15, 4:40 a.m.]
7224. …
… Although this note is not in direct response to the representations made by this Embassy in compliance with the Department’s 7281, February 4, 4 [5] p.m., yet [it] reflects the views expressed at the interview which was had by a member of the Embassy when presenting the Department’s views in accordance with the said telegram.
At that time the Foreign Office said that the French Government would be most happy to cooperate in every way possible with the United States in obtaining the release of the citizens of the two nations and to this end would be glad to receive any suggestion for action from the Government of the United States.
It was clearly intimated, however, that the only effective manner of dealing with the situation was the exchange of imprisoned citizens and that unfortunately the French have just effected such an exchange with Russia. There were no important Bolshevist persons remaining in France who could serve to the Consulate.