THE LANSING PAPERS, 1914-1920, VOLUME I



  Furthermore, if a moral obligation exists in this case, is not the
obligation equally strong as to the dropping of bombs on Antwerp
and Paris, and possibly as to burning of Louvain and the bombard-
ment of the cathedral at Rheims? If there is no conflict of evidence
as to the facts, moral obligation may be appealed to in these cases.
  Would we not admit that there is possibly a moral obligation by
discussing it?
  Our defense that we have no legal right, much less a legal duty,
is one which explains our long silence.
  If we discuss the moral obligations of this Government as to Ger-
many's treatment of Belgium will it do more than invite controversy
and criticism as to the extent of such obligations ?
  In view of the flood of letters, which the Department has received
on this subject, it seemed as if a statement of some sort should be
made.
  While the argument of legal right is perhaps narrow, can we safely
go further?
      Very sincerely yours,
                                               ROBBERT LANSING

763.72111/1674i
  The Counselor for the Department of State (Lansing) to the
                      Secretary of State8'

                               [WASHINGTON,] January £3, 1915.
  DEAR MR. SECRETARY: I have read the President's memorandum
of the 12th relative to the proposed statement for the press setting
forth the Government's position in regard to a protest against
German violation of the neutrality of Belgium.
  The necessity of making a statement is of course a matter of de-
bate. We cannot ignore the fact that the Department is receiving
daily communications from all over the country asking the reasons
for our failure to protest. It is an increasing embarrassment not
to be able to reply to these inquiries.
  Furthermore, I feel that there is public feeling, which is growing
stronger, that the Government is shirking a responsibility, which
as a party to The Hague Conventions it is bound to assume. Not
only is this shown in private letters but also in articles published
in newspapers and periodicals. I may over-estimate the importance
of this feeling upon the attitude of many of our people toward the
Administration, but it seems to me that something ought to be done
to check it. Whether the proposed statement is the best way is
another matter.

  ' This paper bears the notation: "Approved W. J. B~ryan]."



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