Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1918, Supplement 1, The World War, Volume I

File No. 763.72115/3321

The British Ambassador on Special Mission ( Reading) to the Secretary of State

No. 599

Memorandum

The British Ambassador presents his compliments to the Secretary of State and, with reference to the British Embassy’s memorandum of to-day’s date, has the honour to enquire what attitude the United States Government consider the Allied Governments should adopt in view of the reprisals threatened by the German Government in the event of the deportation of enemy subjects to Australia from China. His Majesty’s Government also enquire whether the United States Government would be prepared, if this course is accepted, to share the responsibility of refusing to give way to that threat.

His Majesty’s Government are most anxious to receive a reply as to the attitude of the United States Government on this point, as they are about to enter into fresh negotiations with the German Government in regard to the exchange of prisoners.

Washington , May 31st, 1918.
[Received June 1.]