File No. 763.72111Y2/16
The Swiss Minister ( Ritter) to the Secretary of State
Washington,
February 12, 1917.
Sir: Upon cable instructions from my Government, dated February 11, I have the honor to transmit to the American Government the following communication from the German Government.
The immediate release of about 70 Americans, brought in as prisoners of war by the steamer Yarrowdale, is conditional to the German vessels in American waters not being seized and their crews not being interned.
Accept [etc.]
P. Ritter