462.11 T 41/24½
The Counselor for the Department of State (Lansing) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: In view of the aerial attack on the American S. S. Cushing and of the reported torpedoing of the S. S. Gulflight, of which no official confirmation has yet been received, I think it should be considered whether the draft instruction to Ambassador Gerard29 regarding the death of Leon C. Thrasher through the sinking of the British S. S. Falaba should be sent.
The death of Thrasher loses much of its importance in comparison with these two attacks on American vessels if it is true that three of the crew of the Gulflight lost their lives by reason of the vessel’s being torpedoed.
If these attacks are confirmed officially, I can not see how this Government can avoid making a vigorous protest; a mere appeal or a deferential complaint will, in my opinion, neither satisfy the American people nor be in accord with the duty of the Government or with the rights of the United States.
The course pursued by the Germans seems to be based on a policy intended to provoke radical action by this Government, which will result in the severance of diplomatic relations. I may be wrong and I most sincerely hope so, but recent events appear to tend strongly in support of that view.
It may be deemed advisable to proceed with the Thrasher case separately. If so, the instruction should be sent without delay, provided it is sent at all, so that it could go out before official reports are received on the facts of the other two cases.
Another course would be to treat all three cases in one instruction. While the draft instruction in the Thrasher case might be taken as a basis for a new instruction covering the three cases, it would require very considerable amendment, and would have to be put in stronger and less conciliatory language.
I need not say to you, Mr. Secretary, that I believe the situation is critical and one to cause the gravest anxiety. We are being forced [Page 384] near to the breaking point in our relations with Germany; and I am thoroughly convinced that it is being done wilfully through a misconception of the result here in the United States.
Faithfully yours,