File No. 165.102/69
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
Berlin, September 26, 1914, 1 p. m
[Received September 27, 5:15 p.m.]
[Telegram]
319. Referring to my cipher telegram No. 316 last night transmitting German memorandum about export of dyestuffs, cyanide, etc.
It is evident that either Germany has reason to fear that England will violate international law and take goods of neutrals or for neutrals not contraband of war from neutral vessels, or that Germany hopes through us to keep an open door for export and import of goods not contraband of war and desires our backing or even our [cooperation] to this end. Therefore, I suggest that assurances be obtained from England and France that goods not contraband consigned to America will not be interfered with on neutral vessels and that you then authorize me to answer Germany informally that England and France having given assurances that the rules of international law will not be violated, the citizens of the United States will be glad to receive consignments of goods of this character for use in the United States and Mexico, and that United States, I suggest through the Department of Commerce and Labor, will see that the goods are used only in the United States and Mexico.