THE WORLD WAR: PERIOD OF AMERICAN NEUTRALITY 261



them with wishing to do the fair thing. They do not wish to do us
an unfair turn-only to starve out their enemy; and that they are
going to do at all costs. Of course the heaviest cost falls on them.
They are not now thinking about their trade-or anybody else's-I
mean the Government isn't. You'll find the cue to their actions in
their determination to win.
A happy New Year to you and Mrs. Bryan. Praise Heaven you
are so far from this horrible and continual depression. It is simply
unspeakable. I admire the cheerful and buoyant way in which Mrs.
Owen holds up under it; she is wonderful and provokes my heartiest
admiration.
      Sincerely yours,
                                              WALTER H. PAGE

763.72112/594
The Coun~sor for the Department of State (Lansing) to President
                             IVilson

                                WASHINGTON, January 11, 1915.
  DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: 1 enclose herewith some notes on Sir Edward
Grey's reply of January 7th.31 They are intended merely as pre-
liminary comments on the British defense of the action of which
we complain, and as a possible suggestion of the evidence required
to meet Sir Edward's positions.
  My general impression of the document is that the tone is con-
ciliatory and that the presentation of the British case is adroit,
though transparently illogical in many particulars to one familiar
with the facts. It appears to be drafted with the purpose of allaying
public irritation in this country without giving any assurance that
trade conditions with neutral countries will be relieved.
  It seems to me that in acknowledging the note Mr. Page, while
expressing gratification at its temperate tone, and stating that com-
ment would be withheld until the complete British reply had been
received, should be instructed to urge the delivery of such reply as
soon as possible in view of the existing doubt as to British action
in the future and the consequent demoralizing effect on American
commerce.
  I have submitted a copy of the enclosed to Secretary Bryan and
T am sending you a copy with his approval.
      Very sincerely yours,
                                               ROBERT LANSING

 'Foreign Relations, 1915, supp., p. 299.