File No. 763.72114A/465
The Assistant Secretary of State ( Phillips) to the Secretary of State
We have been trying since August 1 last to frame a proposed agreement with the German Government relating to the maintenance and treatment of prisoners. We have undertaken to do this by correspondence with the Germans and not by direct conference as has been done by the British, French and Belgian Governments, and is about to be done by the Italians. The difficulties begin in the delays incurred in bringing the various Government departments concerned in Washington into line. The difficulties increase as we correspond with our Legation in Berne which has various definite recommendations to make and which changes them from time to time.
I am convinced of the importance of putting this agreement into effect immediately, and I recommend that Mr. Dresel, who is our authority in such matters and who is now attached to the Legation at Berne, be designated to represent the Department in a conference with the enemy. There should be associated with him representatives of the Army and Navy. Dresel’s instructions would, of course, limit him definitely to framing the proposed agreement and he would have no authority whatsoever to discuss any other matters.
I can only add that, from the information we have received, the British and French agreements framed through conferences with the [Page 78] enemy have proved entirely satisfactory to those Governments and have materially ameliorated the conditions of the British and French prisoners.
Sincerely,