763.72/2522
The Secretary of State to
President Wilson
Washington,
March 30, 1916.
My Dear Mr. President: I send you herewith the
translation of an identical memorandum which was received a few days ago
by this Government from the Ambassadors of France, Great Britain, Italy
and Russia, and the Minister of Belgium.39 The memorandum is
in reply to the letter of January 1840 in reference
to the disarmament of merchant vessels.
I also enclose a proposed answer to be sent to each of the Ambassadors
and the Minister. I would be obliged if you would let me know if this
answer meets with your approval. I assume that it will close the
incident.
Faithfully yours,
[Page 350]
[Enclosure]
Draft Note From the Secretary
of State to the British Ambassador (Spring Rice)41
Washington,
March 31, 1916.
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I have received
your courteous letter of the 23d instant and given careful
consideration to the Memorandum enclosed relating to the proposal
for an agreement to disarm merchant vessels by the Entente Powers,
which I unofficially submitted to you in my letter of January 18,
1916.
The proposal was made with the humane purpose of removing the
principal reason given by the German and Austro-Hungarian
Governments for the failure of their submarines to comply strictly
with the rules of naval warfare in intercepting the merchant vessels
of their enemies on the high seas, a practice which has resulted in
an appalling loss of life among the passengers and crews of vessels
which have been attacked without warning.
Believing that an arrangement, such as I had the honor to propose,
would have resulted in the discontinuance by Germany and
Austria-Hungary of a method of attack on merchant vessels which puts
in jeopardy the lives of hundreds of men, women and children of
neutral as well as belligerent nationality, I cannot but regret that
the Governments of the Entente Powers have rejected the proposal and
have declared their unwillingness to agree to refrain from the use
of armament in protecting their property on the high seas.
The Entente Governments having, however, reached a decision to
decline the proposed arrangement, it becomes my duty to accept their
decision as final, although I can assure your Excellency that I do
so with the greatest reluctance and with grave apprehension for the
future.
I am [etc.]
