763.72112/545½

President Wilson to the Secretary of State

My Dear Mr. Secretary: This paper is much improved and I am glad to give it my sanction.27

I think it might be wise to send our Ambassador in London a cipher copy of the despatch from our Ambassador in Rome28 which speaks of the change of sentiment which is taking place in Italy; and to suggest to him that he might, in his discretion, make unofficial and confidential use of it in his conversations with the British Foreign Office. Very likely the British representative at Rome has apprised his government of these things, but Walter Page ought to have the information in his possession.

Cordially and faithfully Yours,

Woodrow Wilson
  1. Telegram No. 836, Dec. 26, 1914, to the Ambassador in Great Britain, Foreign Relations, 1914, supp., p. 372.

    A memorandum attached to this note in Mr. Lansing’s hand reads as follows:

    Department’s instruction No. 836 to London, Dec. 26, 1914, 4 pm.

    “An original draft was made about the 20th by Johnson. This I revised and changes were then made by the Secy. It was then submitted to the President who thought that it was too abrupt.

    “On its return I drafted a new instruction incorporating two changes suggested by Johnson. It was approved by the Secy and sent to the President. With certain changes shown by pen insertions the redraft was approved and sent. Robert Lansing 12/29/14.”

  2. Foreign Relations, 1914, supp., p. 156.