Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917, Supplement 1, The World War

File No. 341.622a/294

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page)

[Telegram]

Washington, February 23, 1917, 6 p.m.

4476. Your 5730, February 21, 7 p.m.² I do not wish to enter into further prolonged discussion of Ausable case, etc. Before the British reply is received, I am anxious to obtain, as indicated in my mail despatch No. 4520, December 1, an intimation as to the attitude of the British Government in the matter. If there is no hope that the British Government will discontinue their practice on the representations made, I desire to make the arbitration proposal in my despatch No. 4520, before Mr. Balfour replies. Before making this proposal, however, telegraph me your views.

Lansing

2. Not printed.