763.72/3314½
President Wilson to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I entirely agree with this suggestion so far as Panama is concerned.93
In the case of Cuba I have this question in my mind: might not such action on her part be used as an excuse by Germany for an early attack upon her, or the seizure of a naval base there, on the pretext that Cuba was in effect hostile? It might be to Germany’s advantage, in other words, to declare war on Cuba (or make it without declaring it) before taking action against us. A base for her submarines on this side the sea would be most convenient. What do you think?
Faithfully Yours,