The sign of the change in attitude of the Siamese towards maintaining strict neutrality since the start of the war, demonstrated when Germany's declared intention to waging unrestricted submarine warfare. On February 1, 1917, German Ambassador Count Johann von Bernstorff announced to U.S. Secretary of State Robert Lansing the reopening of Germany's policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. A few days later, on February 3, 1917, the United States of America severed diplomatic relations with Germany and President Wilson subsequently sent a circular note urging neutral countries to protest to Germany against the declaration underwater politics. On February 7, 1917, the Siamese Foreign Minister, Prince Devawongse, received the circular notes from President Wilson. However, the attitude of the Siamese towards the note is apparent from a confidential report of a conversation between Herbert Dering, British Minister in Bangkok, with the Foreign Office, according to which the Siamese Foreign Minister, the Prince Devawongse, who was King Vajiravudh's uncle and one of the proponents of the neutral policy, that he "does not think it likely that a small, distant country like Siam, which did not suffer of German submarine practice, be called upon to take measures...", and in response to President Wilson's note of February 9, 1917, after After careful consideration, Prince Devawongse declared that "the Government of His Majesty believes that due to the geographical location of his territories so far from the war and the fact that his interests are not yet as directly affected as those of other neutral powers, it would therefore be preferable while maintaining his neutrality. to supervise the further development of the matter until its interests require similar action". Around February 14, the French government...... middle of paper ...... 06/62 SEW May 21 16 1917 Vella, p. 83NA 41/6, King to Phraya Phipat, June 13, 1911. In Vella, Walter F., Chaiyo! King Vajiravudh and the Development of Thai Nationalism, p. February 1914. Bangkok and Siam Directory, 1914. p. 34274 paper 67853WO 106/62 W 11 dated February 18, 1917WO 106 /62 SEW 10 dated February 14, 1917Vella, Walter F., Chaiyo! King Vajiravudh and the development of Thai nationalism. “First World War, Thailand's Role”, King Vajiravudh Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, Bangkok: The Committee for the Celebration of the 8th Cycle and 100th Birthday of His Majesty. p. 696Vella, p. 108WO 106/62 SEW 22 date May 17, 1917FO 371/3028 wire