Sir: Reference is made to the Ambassador's note no. 312 t of July 8, 1940 setting forth the desire of the Imperial War Graves Commission to be notified without delay of the burial of British officers or men, or of the recovery from the sea of the bodies of members of the British military forces, or of the British merchant seamen who have died as a result of hostile action at sea. A report, which was communicated as well to the American Embassy at London, from the Department's repre- sentative at Berlin has now been received. In reply to a written inquiry on the subject he was orally informed by the head of the Prisoner of War Information Office of the German High Command, Hauptmann Dr. Bourwieg, whose long relationship with the Imperial War Graves Commission Mr. N. M. Butler, C.V.O., Charge d'Affaires ad interim of Great Britain. -2- Is mentioned, that his office incorporates all available pertinent information of the.character desired by the Commission in the lists of prisoners of war and deceased combatants which the Embassy receives from the German authorities and regularly forwards by air mail through Lisbon to London, Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my high consideration. For the Secretary/of State: 7 800.123341/8