862.85/61½
President Wilson to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I must say that this matter gives me grave concern. Undoubtedly we need the ships, and some of them [Page 3] could be got in shape for use, no doubt, within a month or two, when, perhaps, they would be even more needed than they are now; and yet I despise the spirit of seizure.
Inasmuch as, so far as I know, they are not, at any rate immediately, needed for military purposes, I take it from your memorandum that the only course open to us is requisition for other transportation uses or seizure by way of reprisal. I suppose either of these courses would require authorization by the Congress (may I not have your advice on that point?)
I believe that seizure (ship for ship, for the American ships sunk) by way of reprisal would, in the extraordinary circumstances of this submarine warfare, be morally justifiable. This would be confiscation and would hardly fall under my general war powers.
I shall await your further advice on the points of law, domestic as well as international, with the greatest interest.
Faithfully Yours,