793.94/343½
President Wilson to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: In view of the situation as a whole (I mean the situation of the world, politically) I think that it would be wise to file such a caveat as Mr. Lansing suggests.30 It will not do to leave any of our rights indefinite or to seem to acquiesce in any part of the Japanese plan which violates the solemn understandings of the nations with regard to China.
It may favourably affect the Japanese official mind with regard to the wisdom of postponing the discussion of Group V for a very long time indeed.
Faithfully Yours,