Office of the Historian

763.72119/10428

The Secretary of State to President Wilson

Washington, May 3, 1916.

My Dear Mr. President: Enclosed is a most confidential message just received from Gerard.8a I am a little puzzled as to the real purpose of introducing the subject at the present time. It would look to me like an attempted diversion on Germany’s part in order to create here a sympathetic feeling which would prevent radical action on our part. Of course I may be in error as to the motive of the German official who undoubtedly inspired this telegram but I confess to be very skeptical as to the bona fides of the suggestion.

Faithfully yours,

Robert Lansing
  1. Foreign Relations, 1916, supp., p. 27.↩