763.72/2926½
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: I have your letter of the 29th ultimo in regard to closing the Lusitania case.
I believe that I am fully alive to the danger of any negotiations regarding this delicate subject at the present time. When I wrote you about the matter on September 21st, I am afraid that I was impelled more or less by the indignation which I felt at the caustic criticism of the opposition press and speakers. Of course it is unwise to be so influenced although it is human. I am now in a different frame of mind and doubt the wisdom of taking up the matter until after election although, if a settlement was reached which would satisfy the public, it would be of decided political advantage. Appreciating the danger of taking any steps in the matter I shall not act without your explicit direction.
I do not think that the matter requires any further informal negotiations with Bernstorff. A settlement would be reached if we replied that his letter of February 16th63 was satisfactory. In order that you may refresh your memory on the subject I enclose a copy of his letter.
I am doubtful, however, if this would be expedient just at present because the terms of the settlement would be gone over with a fine-toothed comb, and the criticisms which would undoubtedly be made might later be employed by the German Government. Probably it is [Page 572] better to endure the criticism of delay on our part than to start anew a public discussion of the case, which might embarrass us in the event that submarine warfare is renewed.
I am sorry to trouble you at this time with matters of this sort, and will endeavor to spare you in the future from their consideration, as I appreciate how fully your time is occupied with other subjects, as it ought to be when so much is at stake for the welfare of this country.
Faithfully yours,