351.115/48½: Telegram
The Chargé in France ( Matthews ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 6—11:55 p.m.]
1922. From Paris. My telegram No. 1371, October 22. Local Kommandanturs are now replying to our requests for the release of American property occupied by the German forces to the effect that according to orders now in force the properties of citizens of neutral countries may be requisitioned in the same manner as those of French citizens “on condition that the properties are required because of the necessity of the occupying forces”. Interest by the occupying authorities in Americans and their activity in occupied France is indicated by evidence that has come to our attention that the French police authorities have for some time been preparing special lists of all Americans for use by the German authorities. [Barnes.]