File No. 763.72111/2865
[Enclosure]
The Managing Editor of the Milwaukee “Journal” (Henry C. Campbell) to the Secretary to the President (Tumulty)
Milwaukee,
August 7, 1915.
Dear Mr Tumulty: The argument is
constantly made by those who favor an embargo on arms and ammunition
that all the other neutral nations in the world have prohibited
export trade in this kind of material. For instance, in an article
sent out from Germany, John L. Stoddard, the
noted traveler and lecturer, makes the statement that “at this time
every neutral country except the United States has placed an embargo
on munitions of war.” We have just received a communication from a
pro-German sympathizer, the latest one of a number of similar
letters, which makes the same statement. It is very important that
the truth in regard to what other neutral nations have done in this
respect be made known. We need this information here and we need it
quite urgently, and, as a result of a talk with Mr.
Nieman, I am going to take the liberty of
asking you to help us get the facts. We should like to have somebody
who understands the situation thoroughly and who will be accurate,
compile this information for us and we would like to have you select
somebody for this purpose. We shall, of course, be glad to pay him
for his services. Some bright, reliable young man connected with the
Department of State might be just the man to do the work. The points
that we should particularly like to cover are as follows:
- 1.
- What neutral nations, if any, have declared embargoes on
arms and ammunition?
- 2.
- Which of these nations, if any, manufacture arms and
ammunition on such a scale as to constitute more than a
negligible factor in supplying the belligerents?
- 3.
- Which of these nations, if any, were led to declare
embargoes through fear that developments might make it
necessary for them to retain this war material for their own
use?
- 4.
- Which of these nations, if any, were led to declare
embargoes through fear of incurring the enmity of more
powerful neighbors?
- 5.
- Have any of these nations taken the ground that supplying
arms and ammunition to belligerents would be
unneutral?
This and other essential information on the subject is undoubtedly in
the possession of the Department of State and I can think of no
other place where it can be obtained. It is of extreme importance in
our opinion for us to get this information. We need it exceedingly.
This is our excuse of going directly to you for help in getting
it.
Let me assure you in the most positive terms that whatever you may do
to aid us will be kept strictly to ourselves and that in case there
is any objection to our stating that the data is compiled from the
records of the Department of State, we agree and promise not to
mention that Department in connection with the matter.
May I express the hope that you will kindly give this request your
prompt attention and earnest consideration? I trust that you will
realize that we know whereof we speak when we say that it is a
matter of very great and urgent importance.
Yours very truly,
