View source for Instructions to American Diplomatic Representatives in Neutral Countries, February 4, 1917, regarding the severance of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and Germany

<p align="right"> [[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[1916 Documents]] > [[Official Communications and Speeches Relating to Peace Proposals 1916-1917]] > '''Instructions to American Diplomatic Representatives in Neutral Countries, February 4, 1917, regarding the severance of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and Germany'''</p><hr>

'''Instructions to American Diplomatic Representatives in Neutral Countries, February 4, 1917, regarding the Severance of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and Germany<sup>1</sup>'''<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You will immediately notify the Government to which you are ac- <br>
credited that the United States, because of the German Government's <br>
recent announcement of its intention to renew unrestricted submarine <br>
warfare, has no choice but to follow the course laid down in its note <br>
of April 18, 1916 (the Sussex note). <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It has, therefore, recalled the American Ambassador to Berlin and <br>
has delivered passports to the German Ambassador to the United States. <br>
Say, also, that the President is reluctant to believe Germany actually <br>
will carry out her threat against neutral commerce, but if it be done <br>
the President will ask Congress to authorize use of the national power <br>
to protect American citizens engaged in their peaceful and lawful er- <br>
rands on the seas. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The course taken is, in the President's view, entirely in conformity <br>
with the principles he enunciated in his address to the Senate January <br>
12 (the address proposing a world league for peace).<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He believes it will make for the peace of the world if other neutral <br>
powers can find it possible to take similar action. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Report fully and immediately on the reception of this announcement <br>
and upon the suggestion as to similar action.<br>

<hr>
<sup>1</sup><i>Congressional Record</i>, February 8, 1917, p. 3263