Office of the Historian

File No. 763.72/2443

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany (Gerard)

[Telegram]
Washington, March 1, 1916, 9 p. m.

2760. For your information, the Department quotes the following letter of the President, dated February 29, to Congressman Pou, acting Chairman of the Committee on Rules, House of Representatives:

Inasmuch as I learn that Mr. Henry, the Chairman of the Committee on Rules, is absent in Texas, I take the liberty of calling your attention, as ranking member of the committee, to a matter of grave concern to the country which can, I believe, be handled, under the rules of the House, only by that committee.

The report that there are divided counsels in Congress in regard to the foreign policy of the Government is being made industrious use of in foreign capitals. I believe that report to be false, but so long as it is anywhere credited, it cannot fail to do the greatest harm and expose the country to the most serious risks. I therefore feel justified in asking that your committee will permit me to urge an early vote upon the resolutions with regard to travel on armed merchantmen which have recently been so much talked about in order that there may be afforded an immediate opportunity for full public discussion and action upon them and that all doubts and conjectures may be swept away and our foreign relations once more cleared of damaging misunderstandings.

The matter is of so grave importance and lies so clearly within the field of executive initiative that I venture to hope that your committee will not think that I am taking unwarranted liberty in making this suggestion as to the business of the House, and I very earnestly commend it to their immediate attention.

Cordially and sincerely yours,

Woodrow Wilson

[Page 186]

Before the President’s letter was written probably only 20 Senators were in favor of resolution to prevent Americans from sailing on armed merchant ships. Situation in House not so clear. Since President’s letter situation in both Houses has unquestionably swung in favor of President’s position.

Repeat to Vienna and Constantinople for their information.

Lansing