763.72111/4443
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: I enclose to you a copy of a letter from the German Ambassador dated January 10th,73 transmitting a memorandum upon the subject of armed merchant ships. His letter also requests an appointment to discuss the matter after I have had an opportunity to examine the memorandum.
I conceive that this memorandum is sent at the present time for the purpose of laying the groundwork for excuse in beginning a more drastic submarine campaign. Before seeing the Ambassador, therefore, I would like very much to have your views upon the memorandum, and the policy which should be taken in treating with him on the subject.
Faithfully yours,