THE LANSING PAPERS, 1914-1920, VOLUME I



Germany. I also thought the note was longer than was necessary
and that it should be limited as far as possible.
  With these ideas in mind I made another draft of an answer
which I am enclosing,59 together with your original draft. If final
decision can be reached early today I will have Gerard instructed
to deliver the note and at the same time have it given to the press
for publication tomorrow morning. I hope this can be done, for I
feel we should delay as little as possible in the matter.
      Faithfully yours,
                                               ROBERT LANSING

763.72/2662
           President Wilson to the Secretary of State

                                     WASHINGTON, 8 May, 1916.
  MY DEAR MR. SECRETARY: You are probably right about cutting out
all "satisfaction", and I am quite content to have the note go
as you
have amended it. I am returning it so that it may be sent at once.
  In haste,
      Faithfully Yours,
                                                        W.W.

763.72/2654
           The Secretary of State to President Wilson

                                     WASHINGTON, AMlay 8, 1916.
  MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I enclose for your consideration a sug-
gested comment on the German reply, which, if you think advisable,
I might give to the press.
  In the event that we send a note to Gerard today, would you think
it well to give out the comment at the same time that we give out
the text of our instruction?
  In regard to the Commissioners for the Board of Investigation
under our Treaty with Great Britain,60 I find that they are the
following:
    United States Commissioners-
        Judge George Gray, of Delaware,
        Mr. Domicio da Gama, Brazilian Ambassador to the United
            States.
 S Not printed; this draft is almost identical with the answer as sent.
 '*Treaty for the Advancement of Peace, Malloy, Treaties, 1910-923, vol.
In,
p. 2642.



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