740.00112 European War 1939/1744
The Department of State to the German Embassy
Aide-Mémoire
The German Chargé d’Affaires called on the Acting Chief of the Division of European Affairs on August 17th and left with him a copy of a note which was being addressed by the German Government to seafaring neutral nations. The German Chargé d’Affaires explained orally that a copy of this note was not being addressed to the United States since the situation had been covered by the neutrality legislation of this country.
The Acting Chief of the Division of European Affairs informed the German Chargé d’Affaires that the combat zone established by the President’s proclamations in pursuance of the Neutrality Act is a purely internal regulation of the United States.
Mr. Atherton subsequently drew attention to announcements which had on various occasions been made by the Secretary of State to the effect that the restrictions imposed on American shipping in pursuance of domestic legislation of the United States should not be understood as impairing in any way the rights of the United States and its nationals under international law. Mr. Atherton added that although the German note was not being delivered to the United States, he felt impelled, in the circumstances, to invite the attention of the German Chargé d’Affaires to this complete reservation of the rights of the American Government and its nationals under international law.