THE IANSING PAPERS, 1914-1920, VOLUME I



,763.72/2372ja
            The Secretary of State to President Wilson,

                                WASHINGTON, January R7, 1916.
  MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: The British Ambassador called upon
mte this morning and handed me the enclosed paper 11 which is the
-substance of a telegram received by him from Sir Edward Grey in
regard to our proposition as to a modus vivendi in connection
with submarine warfare. I also enclose a telegram upon the same
subject, deciphered late yesterday, received from Ambassador Page
sat London.12
  It seems to me that the British Government expected us to de-
nounce submarine warfare as inhuman and to deny the right to use
submarines in attacking commercial vessels; and that these state-
ments by Sir Edward Grey evidence his great disappointment that
we have failed to be the instrument to save British commerce from
-attack by Germany.
  I must say that I am very considerably disturbed as to Mr. Page's
attitude on all subjects which in any way affect the policies of Great
Britain. He certainly is influenced very strongly by the atmosphere
in which he is and I frequently doubt whether he urges the cases
involving American rights with the force and vigor which he should
as American Ambassador.
  In regard to the submarine matter I think there is nothing to be
.done until we have heard from the Allies of Great Britain but I pre-
sume in view of these telegrams that they will be opposed to any
arrangement. I do not think it is necessary for us to act immediately
upon such refusal but we should consider what course we are
going to take in regard to Americans traveling on vessels carrying
arms, which can be used offensively against submarines. I doubt
whether we can insist that vessels so armed can be considered other
than as auxiliary cruisers of the respective navies of the Allies.
  I would be very much gratified if you could give me your views
on this subject.
      Faithfully yours,
                                         [File copy not signed]

 "Copy not found In Department files.
 "Foreign Relations, 1916, supp., p. 151.



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