462.11 T 41/15½
President Wilson to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I do not like this case. It is full of disturbing possibilities.
But it is clear to me that this American citizen came to his death by reason of acts on the part of German naval officers which were in unquestionable violation of the just rules of international law with regard to unarmed vessels at sea and it is probably our duty to make it clear to the German Government that we will insist that the lives of our citizens shall not be put in danger by acts which have no sanction whatever in the accepted law of nations.
I think it would be wise for Mr. Lansing to draw a brief and succinct note in the matter for mature consideration, so that we may formulate our position in precise terms.
Faithfully Yours,