William Phillips to Robert Lansing

To: The Secretary.
Subject: Germans devastating occupied territory as they are forced to retreat.

In view of the announcement that the Germans have removed all the civilian population from Lens and have stripped and looted the buildings of the city, it seems to me that if we are going to take any action in the matter of your recent note to the President it ought to be taken now. The Belgian Minister inquired again yesterday what action if any we are going to take.