Office of the Historian

763.72/3315

The Secretary of State to President Wilson

Washington, February 14, 1917.

My Dear Mr. President: I send you a letter5 which has just been received from the Sun Company, of Philadelphia relative to the arming of their vessels in English ports, with the aid of the British Government. Since the letter was received the Company has telephoned that the British Government is willing to supply the guns, provided our Government does not object.

This raises a new problem in the matter of arming merchant vessels. I would not favor allowing them to receive guns without our consent, and, at the same time, I am very doubtful as to whether we should give consent. This is but one additional perplexity to the many which are presented by the existing situation.

I think it would be well if you could arrange to let me see you sometime tomorrow (Thursday) in order that certain of these questions may be answered in accordance with the policy which you have in mind. If you can arrange this will you please let me know by telephone?6

Faithfully yours,

Robert Lansing
  1. Not printed.↩
  2. The President replied on February 15: “I shall be very glad to discuss this delicate matter with you this afternoon at 2.30, if you can come over to the House at that time.” (File No. 763.72/3314½.)↩