701.6311/145½
President Wilson to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: The contents of the strictly confidential despatch from London, No. 2732, September 1, 7 P. M.8 are certainly serious enough, and I entirely agree with you that we shall have to take some decided action with regard to the activities of Dumba as well as those of Bernstorff. But when, and how?
I take it for granted that we shall first wish to make sure of Germany’s concessions and of their exact terms before dealing with either of these allied Ambassadors about the other matter. So much for the When.
As for the How, what do you think would be the best course, a private intimation to each of them which would allow them to ask to be relieved, without public rebuke, or a direct request on our part to their Governments? I do not know the practice in these matters.
Faithfully Yours,