740.00112 European War 1939/349
The German Chargé (Thomsen) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary of State: By direction of my Government, I have the honor to advise Your Excellency of the following, referring to my note of September 30th:
The English Government is disseminating the assertion that for neutral merchant ships traveling in the escort of English naval vessels means increased safety and does not represent any violation of neutrality.
With regard to this I have been directed by my Government to notify the Government of the United States of America of the following:
English or French convoys will be attacked by German combat forces with armed force. The German action will be directed not only against escorting warships, but also, without distinction, against all escorted ships. This corresponds to the generally recognized rules of naval warfare. At the same time attention is once more called to the fact that all neutral merchant ships, including passenger steamers, which run at night without lights showing expose themselves to confusion with the enemy’s warships or auxiliary vessels, and consequently to danger of destruction.
Accept [etc.]