740.00116 European War 1939/252: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Germany (Kirk)63
1278. Please immediately convey through appropriate channels the following message from the President to the Chancellor:
The Belgian Governmental Authorities have given me positive assurances that Brussels is an unfortified town and that there are no troops stationed there other than for police purposes. Recalling the order issued by the German Government at the outbreak of hostilities last September that it would restrict its operations to military objectives, may I in the name of humanity appeal to you not to subject Brussels to bombardment which could only increase the tragedy and suffering of thousands of defenseless men, women, and children and serve no military end.
- Marginal note: “Approved by the President by telephone 10:45 a.m. May 16. S[umner] W[elles].”↩