THE LANSING PAPERS, 1914-1920, VOLUME I



beyond the exact language of the memoranda, all indicate the design
of embarrassing this Government by putting it in the light of refus-
ing to consider overtures of arrangement voluntarily offered by Ger-
many. It is apparently done to convey the impression that Germany
is willing to do anything to prevent war but that you are not willing
to listen to them, being determined to go forward. The attempt is
to throw the responsibility on you in case hostilities cannot be
averted.
  I am convinced that the whole scheme was hatched here in Wash-
ington, and that not only Bernstorff had much to do with it but also
I am ashamed to say that I believe that he has been assisted by cer-
tain Americans who are antagonistic to your policy and who will go
to almost any lengths in order to force you to recede from the firm
position which you have taken. I have heard in the last few days
some things which have aroused my intense indignation against cer-
tain people and which, if true-and the evidence seems very strong,
smacks of treason. I do not wish to write of these matters but will
tell you when I see you.
  It seems to me that the only answer which can be made to the
memorandum is to say that no discussion or negotiation can take
place except upon the condition precedent that the proclamation of
January 31st be annulled; and that, when that has been done, this
Government is prepared to consider any subjects which the German
Government desires to propose for discussion. I also think that the
memorandum and our answer should then be made public, in order
that the people may have no erroneous impression as to the char-
acter of the German overture, and we may counteract the effect
which has possibly resulted from the insidious statements published
by the Germane here and those who are aiding them to arouse oppo-
sition to the Government.
      Faithfully yours,
                                             ROBERT LANSING

763.72/3264> jt111
           President Wilson to the Secretary of State

                               WASHINGTON, 12 February, 1917.
  MY DEAR MR. SECRETARY: I am obliged to concur in your conclu-
sions with regard to this matter. I suggest that you reply to the
Swiss Minister in the following sense:
  I am requested by the President to say to you, in acknowledging
the memorandum which you were kind enough to send me on the
eleventh instant, that the Government of the United States would
gladly discuss with the German Government any questions it might
propose for discussion were it to withdraw its proclamation of the



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