File No. 763.72/1919
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 5, 2 p. m.]
2544. Reason why I asked in yesterday’s cable that you cable me as to the stand of the American Government and as to whether or not it is willing to accept any compromise on the lines I indicated, is because there is a universal belief here that since the resignation of Bryan, he has become the leader of a powerful party which is so favorable to Germany that it will not only influence the American Government to put an embargo on arms and ammunition, but will also terrorize our Government into submitting without protest to the destruction of American lives and ships at sea, although such destruction may be contrary to present international law. If, on the other hand, our Government believes that the declaration of a sea war territory by England, its alleged blockade of food upon Germany, its orders to merchant vessels to resist and ram submarines when the latter attempt to exercise the right of visitation and search, the carrying of arms and ammunition on passenger ships, call for some modification of rules made before the advent of submarine war so the lives and property rights of Americans are protected by reasonable concessions, then you should give me some latitude in negotiations. A mere formal exchange of notes between Germany and our Government will inevitably lead to a break.