Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, The Lansing Papers, 1914–1920, Volume I

763.72/2755

President Wilson to the Secretary of State

Washington, 17 May, 1916.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have thought a great deal about the questions you here put,—both before and since you sent me this letter.

Undoubtedly there is an awkward quandary here, but I think we would not be justified in assuming the general representation of neutral rights in this matter, whether our own citizens are affected or not.

If Germany should show a purpose to return to the practices we have objected to by attacking ships again without warning, I think we would be justified in making pointed inquiries of her as to the facts in any given case, even if no Americans were on board; but we would not be justified in acting, unless her reply to those inquiries indicated a departure from the policy she has now agreed to follow.

At any rate, this is my present judgment.

Faithfully Yours,

W. W.