811.2222/708a
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: You will recall our conversation of yesterday in regard to the position of the War Department relative to exemption from the draft of declarants with or without treaty exemption. I understood you to say that you agreed with Secretary Baker’s position, but as we discussed many other things and as whatever position is taken on this subject will have to be given to all diplomats taking up the question with this Government, as well as to members of Congress and others who make inquiries, I wish very much you would make your assent of record by sending me a line approving Secretary Baker’s letter, and authorizing me to say to inquirers that it represents the position of the Government.
My letter of yesterday sets forth the importance and farreaching effect of this position.
Faithfully yours,