740.00115 European War 1939/169: Telegram

The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

2209. Department’s 973, October (November] 28, 4 p.m. A copy of the British note of November 24 as set forth in telegram No. 2454, November 25, 1 p.m. from the Embassy at London to the Department was given to State Secretary Woermann at the German Foreign Office this morning. At the same time I made an oral statement and left with him a memorandum embodying the points set forth in the Department’s telegram under reference. Before I was able to present the British note to the German Foreign Office additional information had been received from London Embassy (as given in its telegram 2474, November 28, 6 p.m. to the Department) relating to the British attitude on release of adult males under parole not to bear arms which I also orally conveyed to the Foreign Office.

In discussing the foregoing I stressed the importance of reaching some agreement on this subject and emphasized the danger inherent in continuing the present uncertain situation and urged upon Woermann the necessity of making an immediate study of the British note with a view to reaching an agreement in which the American Government from humanitarian motives was so deeply interested. He said that he would do so and give me the German Government’s views in the near future.

Kirk