File No. 763.72116/551
The Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 15, 3.40 a.m.]
3072. Referring to my despatch of February 11, No. 2369.2 French Ambassador has furnished me with a copy of the reply which he is instructed by his Government to present to the Swiss Political Department [International Committee of Red Cross at Geneva] and has inquired of all Allied Legations whether they will associate themselves in presentation of this note, of which the following is a résumé. Please instruct.
Allied Powers at beginning of war believed civilized nations would not make use of cruel means of warfare according to international agreement. Germany introduced asphyxiating and then poison gas. Allied Governments have been obliged to seek means of protection for their armies and methods of warfare furnishing their armies equal offensive instruments. If Allied Governments agree to [Page 783] proposals of Red Cross Committee, what guaranty have they that Germany will not again break her pledge? But should German Government agree to proposal of Red Cross relative to cessation of the use of gas and offer detailed and effective guaranties “the Allied Governments will be inclined to examine that proposition in the most liberal spirit. But in the absence of such guaranties the Allied Governments would be failing in their duty by not availing themselves of every means which they may deem proper to prevent their adversary from doing them harm.”
- Not printed.↩