President Wilson to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I would suggest that you have a talk with the Secretary of the Navy about this, telling him with entire frankness what you think the dangers and prudences of the situation are. He will see at once what is involved, and will wish, I am sure, to cooperate with you in every way.
I am sure that all that his officers are doing now is to keep an eye on what is happening in and about the islands and to get as much useful information as possible,—both very wise things to do, if wisely done. We have to be watchful at every exposed point as to what is afoot.
Faithfully Yours,