763.72/1849c
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: Senator Martin of Virginia and Congressman Flood called this afternoon and asked me to communicate to you the reason of their call. Senator Martin was the spokesman but Mr. Flood concurred in what he said. The Senator spoke with great earnestness to the effect that this country does not want war with Germany and that it expects you to find a way out that will not involve hostilities. He spoke of the question of passports and expressed the opinion that while the demand for or giving of passports is not necessarily an act of war, that it is so near it that it involved risks that ought not to be taken. He said that he had talked with three senators whom he had found in town and that they were all of the same opinion as he is and would vote against a declaration of war, if the subject were presented. Mr. Flood made the same remark in regard to the House—that he was sure that they would vote against such a declaration. They both expressed themselves as believing that the Lusitania case did not justify a resort to hostilities and that they felt sure the country did not regard the matter as one that [Page 437] would justify war. I asked them to put their views in writing, that I might be sure to submit them accurately and they said they would, but as they may not have time to send me the letter this evening, I am writing you the substance of their conversation from memory.
With assurances [etc.]