Office of the Historian

763.72/1757½

President Wilson to the Secretary of State

Washington, 13 May, 1915.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: After sleeping over your suggestion, I have this to propose:

It would not be wise, I think, to give out a direct statement; but I think the same purpose would be served by such a “tip” as the enclosed, accompanying the publication of the note. And it would be best that this tip should be given out from the Executive Office, while the note was given out by the Department of State. What do you think?

If you will return the paper in the course of the morning, I will make the necessary arrangements.

Faithfully yours,

W. W.
[Enclosure]

Proposed Notice for Publication

[“]There is a good deal of confidence in Administration circles that Germany will respond to this note in a spirit of accommodation. It is pointed out that, while Germany is not one of the many nations which have recently signed treaties of deliberation and inquiry with the United States upon all points of serious difficulty, as a means of supplementing ordinary diplomatic methods and preventing, so far as feasible, the possibility of conflict, she has assented to the principle of such a treaty; and it is believed that she will act in this instance in the spirit of that assent. A frank issue is now made, and it is expected that it will be met in good temper and with a desire to reach an agreement, despite the passions of the hour,— passions in which the United States does not share, else submit the whole matter to such processes of discussion as will result in a permanent settlement.”