811.24/251½
President Wilson to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: You know how much pains we have taken to make arrangements for the purchase of supplies in this country by the Allies on the same terms with our own government and with our civil population. I am sorry to say that the English government has not been equally generous, or perhaps I should say equally successful, in arranging that supplies that this government purchases in England should be purchased upon the same terms upon which sales are made to the British government and to the civilian population of Great Britain. I would be very much obliged to you if you would convey a very earnest intimation to the British government of our hope and expectation that this reciprocal arrangement should be made as promptly and completely as possible. The discriminations I have heard of have disturbed me a good deal, and while I am sure that the men at the top of the government over there would [Page 142] be willing to make a cordial response to such representations, I am equally sure that the traders with whom they are consulting are not equally willing. You will know how to give emphasis with courtesy.
Cordially and sincerely yours,