740.00115 European War 1939/277: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson)
329. Your 420, February 19, 11 p.m. The Department agrees that the substance of Berlin’s 438 should be brought to the attention of the Foreign Office without delay. In doing so, it is suggested that you transmit the German observations as the enclosure of a note to the British Foreign Office stating that the Government of the United States is much gratified at the apparent meeting of minds between the British and German Governments on the question of treatment of civilian enemy aliens. The American Government earnestly hopes, you may add, that this meeting of minds will be consummated by formal agreement at the earliest possible moment so that the civilian enemy alien population may promptly take advantage thereof. Not only is it gratifying in respect to these unfortunate persons but it is to be hoped that the accord reached will establish a permanent record for international law which will stand as a future example of the humane treatment to be accorded civilian enemy aliens in case of belligerency.