File No. 763.72111/5685

The Swiss Minister ( Ritter ) to the Secretary of State

Department of German
Interests XI 20

Memorandum

The Minister of Switzerland, representing German interests in the United States, presents his compliments to the Secretary of State, and has the honor to communicate to his excellency text of a cable message received from the Swiss Foreign Office:

According to information [received] new proceedings to be instituted against German Consul General Bopp and Vice Consul Schack, interned Fort McDowell, for alleged violation American neutrality. Imperial Office requests confirmation and eventually counts of charges brought against these two officers. If bail can prevent imprisonment pending trial it is to be charged to German fund.1

The Minister begs leave to inquire the details regarding the present state of the judicial processes in which former Consul General Bopp and former Vice Consul von Schack are involved, in order that he may duly inform his Government regarding the same.

In the event that the Government of the United States is disposed to release these men on bail, pending the trial of the indictments found against them, the Minister has the honor to inform his excellency that the Legation will arrange the necessary bail as security for their due appearance in court.

  1. Original text in French.