763.72/3593a
The Secretary of State to
President Wilson
Washington,
March 26, 1917.
My Dear Mr. President: I would like to make a
statement to the press, which would be in substance like the enclosed.
There is much misapprehension on this subject and it seems to me the
public should have [it] brought clearly to their attention.
I talked the matter over with Colonel House on Saturday and he thought
such a statement would be very helpful.
Faithfully yours,
[Enclosure]
Proposed Statement to the Press
There seems to be a tendency in certain quarters, judging from
newspaper reports, to show dissatisfaction with the President
because he does not declare his position in regard to Germany or
direct hostile acts against her. Some of these people criticize
through ignorance and some in an effort to commit the Government
before Congress meets next Monday.
Everyone who indulges in criticism of this character knows or ought
to know that the power to declare war rests with Congress alone and
that it would be highly improper for the President to say anything
or do anything which infringes upon this constitutional power of
Congress.
The course of silence which the President is following is the only
one consistent with his office. The American people ought to
understand
[Page 631]
that and not be
influenced by radical partisans who assert that President Wilson is
undecided because he refuses to declare his purpose or to authorize
an act of war against Germany. They want him to usurp the powers of
Congress and are trying to force him to do so.
The people should not tolerate criticism of this sort.
