My tel. 16.¹ Your tel. 28.² Called on Secretary of State January 30th and explained to him that in view of military situation and as we have no relations with Russia I wished, without in any way implying judgment on future course of war, to request quarters much further from Berlin and in place from which I could if necessary go to Switzerland without difficulty. The Secretary of State received this request quite calmly and without slightest suggestion of surprise. He remarked that if Mission were to go to Switzerland it would be impossible for it to continue its functions here. I said I of course realized this but that if such eventuality occurred I was to make it clear that it involved no change whatever in our relations, that Ireland has abundantly proved in the course of the war that it intends to preserve neutrality and that everything has been done to safeguard this policy. I alluded in this connection to events your telegram 50.³ The Secretary of State expressed thanks for this declaration and said that German Government quite understood position and appreciated way in which we have maintained our neutrality. He said German Government and Foreign Office intend to remain in Berlin in all circumstances even if it should become battle ground but that if mission wishes to get away Government without in any way implying acceptance of implications which may be deduced would not prevent them. I said there is no question of my leaving Germany at moment but that this eventuality must be envisaged if situation became much worse, that for present I thought of going near Constance. He undertook to speak to Head of Protocol and assured me possibility of getting away in time would be provided. I called his attention to fact that although we are at west of Berlin main roads south pass near it and matter is therefore urgent.
[matter omitted]

Your telegram 29⁴ received evening January 30th. I yesterday Wednesday asked Head of Protocol to give me at once quarters near Constance. He said it is difficult but suggested I see him today Thursday. I propose to insist on getting quarters within reasonable distance of Swiss frontier and also to request extended validity exit visas.