763.72111/3214a
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: While municipal law does not lie in my province unless it relates to neutrality or similar subjects pertaining to our international relations, it occurred to me that it might not be inopportune in connection with your message on national defense to include in it some suggestion as to legislation covering foreign intrigues in our internal affairs such as conspiracies to blow up factories, to encourage strikes, to interfere with industrial operations, to gather information of this government’s secrets, etc., etc. In view of the wide interest and indignation manifested throughout the country at the recent disclosures of activities of agents of belligerents I think that notice of the subject in your message would be received with general satisfaction.
Faithfully yours,