763.72/1969½a
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: I have been making a number of notes on the German reply of the 8th in an endeavor to crystallize my thoughts as to the answer which should be made. I am loath to send you these notes in their present shape as I think that you would find them more useful in a digested form.
The impression which I have gained from careful reading and rereading of the German note is that the thought of “home consumption” entered largely into its composition, while at the same time the German Government failed to appreciate public temper in this country. I think that considerable allowance should be made for the sarcastic tone of certain phrases because written for German readers and to meet the public demand in Germany.
We are to an extent bound to respond to a similar chord in this country. It would be easy to understand American public opinion if the press accurately reflected it. But I am not sure in my own mind that it does. As I read the state of mind of the vast majority of the people it is that they do not want war, that no war spirit exists, but at the same time they want the Government not to recede a step from its position but to compel Germany to submit to our demands. Of course this attitude, if I read it aright, is most difficult to meet. To carry out both ideas is well nigh impossible. Of course I do not feel that public opinion should dictate the Government’s action but it is wel to consider it.
[Page 458]As to the reply itself I feel that the German note’s comments on the action of Great Britain can be dismissed with a statement that they are irrelevant to the subject at issue. That will dispose of nearly half of the note. In the next place I think that we can refuse to discuss a modus vivendi for the future until the general principles involved have been considered and the Lusitania matter satisfactorily adjusted so far as it is possible. The setting aside of these two subjects in our reply will materially shorten it, and I believe that brevity will impress the German Government with the earnestness of our purpose to insist on our rights (an impression which I have sometimes felt they did not have) and will also cause a feeling in this country that this Government does not intend to prolong the controversy indefinitely. I think in the present state of the discussion a concise and direct statement will be most effective.
As I reached this point your letter to me of the 13th arrived. After reading it I have decided to enclose my undigested notes33 calling particular attention to Note 13.
I will go over your letter with care and send you any comments which may suggest themselves. I think that you will find on examining the enclosed notes our minds have worked in much the same way.
In order that I may not forward to you at Cornish further memoranda, which might arrive after your departure, can you indicate to me about the time you expect to return here?
I am [etc.]
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