Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 5, 1916

File No. 839.00/1952

The President to the Secretary of State

The White House,
Washington, November 26, 1916.

My dear Mr. Secretary: It is with the deepest reluctance that I approve and authorize the course here⁸ proposed, but I am convinced that it is the least of the evils in sight in this very perplexing situation. I therefore authorize you to issue the necessary instructions in the premises.

I have stricken out the sentences in the proposed proclamation which authorizes the commanding officer to remove judges and others in certain circumstances. It may be necessary to resort to such extreme measures, but I do not deem it wise to put so arbitrary an announcement in the proclamation itself.

Faithfully yours,

W[oodrow] W[ilson]

8. Subinclosure with the letter of November 22 from the Secretary of State to the President.