Correspondence with the United States Ambassador respecting the execution of Miss Cavell at Brussels.

Date:
1915
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Correspondence with the United States Ambassador respecting the execution of Miss Cavell at Brussels. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    15/18 page 13
    concerned were well aware that the carrying out of the sentence was not warranted by any consideration. Further comment on their proceedings would be superfluous. In conclusion, Sir E. Grey would request Mr. Page to express to Mr. Whitlock and the staff of the United States Legation at Brussels the grateful thanks of His Majesty’s Government for their untiring efforts on Miss Cavell’s behalf. He is fully satisfied that no stone was left unturned to secure for Miss Cavell a fair trial, and, when sentence had been pronounced, a mitigation thereof. Sir E. Grey realises that Mr. Whitlock was placed in a very embarrassing position by the failure of the German authorities to inform him that the sentence had been passed and would be carried out at once. In order therefore to forestall any unjust criticism which might be made in this country, he is publishing Mr. Whitlock’s despatch to Mr. Page without delay. Foreign Office, October 20, 1915. No. 8. Sur H. Grey to Setior Don Alfonso Merry del Val, Spanish Ambassador in London. Your Excellency, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I have received, through the United States Ambassador at this Court, a copy of a despatch from the United States Minister at Brussels respecting the execution at that place of Miss Edith Cavell, a British subject. ; It appears from Mr, Whitlock’s report that the Spanish Minister at Brussels accompanied Mr. Hugh Gibson, Secretary to the United States Legation at Brussels, on his visit to the German civil authorities at Brussels after the sentence passed on Miss Cavell became known, and did all he could to secure a commutation of the capital sentence. His Majesty’s Government much appreciate the efforts made by the Marquis de Villalobar on this occasion, and the sentiments of humanity and chivalry which animated him, and they would be grateful if your Excellency would be good cnough to so inform the Spanish Government. T have, &c. (Signed) HK. GREY. No. 9. Mr. Page, United States Ambassador in London, to Sir Edward Grey. THE American Ambassador presents his compliments to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and, with reference to previous correspondence respecting the execution by the German authorities of Miss Edith Cavell, a British subject at Brussels, has the honour to enclose herewith a copy of a communication from the Minister at Brussels, together with a copy of a report made by the Rev. H. 8. T. Gahan, British chaplain at that capital, touching his last interview with Miss Cavell. American Embassy, London, October 22, 1915. . Enclosure 1 in No. 9. Mr. Whitlock, United States Minister in Brussels, to Mr. Page. My dear Colleague, American Legation, Brussels, October 18, 1915. I BEG to transmit herewith, for your information and such action as you may consider desirable, copy of a memorandum prepared at my request by the Rev. H. 8. T. Gahan, British chaplain at Brussels, in regard to his last interview with Miss Edith Cavell on the night she was executed. : IT am, &c. BRAND WHITLOCK.
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