763.72/1868½a
The Secretary of State ad interim to President Wilson
Dear Mr. President: The British Ambassador, during an interview this afternoon, spoke very strongly (I believe under instructions) about the indifference of this Government and the American press to the recent Zeppelin attack on London. He said in brief that London was an undefended city, that many Americans resident there were in imminent danger if the attacks were repeated, and that he considered it our manifest duty to protest against acts which could have no military advantage to excuse them. He grew rather excited and closed with “I must officially inform you that we cannot protect American citizens or your Embassy in London from these outrages.”
I replied that I appreciated the point of view of his Government and would consider the subject.
He then asked me to submit the matter to you and I have adopted this method of complying with his request.
I am [etc.]