711.00111 Armament Control/141
The Chief of Naval Operations (Standley) to the Secretary of State
Sir: The following dispatch, received this date from the Naval Attaché of the United States Embassy in Rome, is quoted for your information:
“Request the following information relative to President’s Proclamation: May visit and search of American merchant vessels be carried on on the high seas by either belligerent? As a state of war has been proclaimed may rights under laws of war be exercised?”
It is requested that this department be advised as to the nature of the reply to be made to this dispatch.