701.6311/270a
The Secretary of State to
President Wilson
Washington,
March 27, 1917.
My Dear Mr. President: Count Tarnowski called
at my house last evening by appointment and discussed his situation
here.30 He asked for the
appointment on account of having received a communication from Count
Czernin.30a After talking the matter over and sympathizing with
him in the embarrassment of his Government and also of himself in the
present situation, I requested him to give me a transcript of Count
Czernin’s dispatch which he had read to me. This he did and I enclose to
you a copy. I told him that I would lay the matter before you and would
endeavor to give him an answer today or tomorrow. Will you please advise
me what I should say to Count Tarnowski?
Faithfully yours,
[Page 633]
[Enclosure]
The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador Designate
(Tarnowski) to the Secretary of State
Washington,
March 26, 1917.
My Dear Mr. Secretary of State: You
expressed the wish in the course of the conversation we just had
that I should outline for your personal information the substance of
my communications to make use of such a written pro-memoria when
submitting the matter to the President tomorrow.
I had the honor of informing you of the following:
“Count Czernin has instructed me to draw in a most friendly
spirit Your Excellency’s attention to the fact that the long
delay of my reception by the President renders his position
extremely difficult, the public opinion in Austria-Hungary
resenting it already, and if this feeling has not until now
become evident it is only due to the censure [censorship] of the press.
My Chief thinks to have shown his desire for the maintenance of
the diplomatic relations between the Monarchy and the United
States and he believes this desire to be shared by Your
Excellency but he must ask not to be placed in too difficult
position.
Besides Mr. Penfield’s situation is also growing very difficult
as the public opinion begins to lose faith in his good
will.”
Having been instructed to deliver the above communication orally
only, and having written this for Your Excellency’s convenience, I
need not ask you to consider my letter as strictly confidential.
Very sincerely yours,
