THE WYORLD WAR: PERIOD OF AMERICAN NEUTRALITY 405



this afternoon, covers only "cotton ships." There are a number
of
other vessels detained which carry different cargoes.
  I do not think that it would do to confine a representation to
Great Britain to vessels only laden with cotton. It would cause
undoubtedly much criticism from owners of other vessels and car-
goes. The data is being collected as rapidly as possible, but I do
not see how a representation could be prepared before Monday,
which would be at all complete.
  In regard to your suggestion that the President give public notice
advising, asking or directing Americans not to take passage on
belligerent steamships while the controversy as to submarine war-
fare is pending, that could of course be prepared at once.
  In compliance with your request that I draft a notice such as is
suggested I submit the following:
  "The President in view of the present diplomatic situation requests
that American citizens intending to proceed abroad and to traverse
waters adjacent to the coasts of Great Britain and France? will re-
frain from taking passage on vessels of belligerent nationality pend-
ing the exchange of views between this Government and the Govern-
ment of Germany regarding the use of submarines in interrupting
vessels of commerce in those waters."
  I think that this is the sort of notice, which you had in mind. I
doubt if more than a request could be made, as I believe there is no
law, by which Americans could be restrained from going on bellig-
erent vessels if they saw fit or by which such vessels could be pre-
vented from receiving American passengers. Furthermore a request
like this would be, in my opinion, almost, if not quite, as effective as
an order, and presents no legal difficulties.
  Do you not think that, if this notice is given, it will be said "Why
did the Government not give this notice before? Why did it wait
after the sinking of the Falaba, Cushing and G'alflight 64 until a hun-
dred Americans lost their lives on the Lusitania? ["] Even admitting
that the effect on the German Government might be beneficial in
influencing their reply, I think that the criticism in this country
must be considered. It is a matter of policy which must be viewed
from every standpoint.
      Faithfully yours,
                                                ROBERT LANSING

  'Actually the Cushing and Gut4fight were not sunk.