498 THE LANSING PAPERS, 1914-1920, VOLUME I

further information on the subject than that which I have already
submitted to you. The essential fact, that the vessel was shelled and
torpedoed while persons were still on board—one of whom, at least,
is an American—is amply proven.

Faithfully yours,
Rosert LANsINnG

865.857 An 2/764
President Wilson to the Secretary of State

Wasuineton, 6 December, 1916.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: This is a peremptory note, but I see
no other course open to us,

I understand that Penfield has asked for a fuller statement of the
facts from the government at Vienna, but that so far they have not
furnished him with any more than we already had. Can we say
that we have the Austrian official version of what happened ?

Faithfully Yours,
W. W.

768.72/232748
The Secretary of State to the German Ambassador (Bernstorff)

Wasuineton, December 15, 1916.
My Dear Mr. Ampassapor: I have been hoping to hear from you
in regard to the Lusitania affair. I feel that continued delay in
reaching an agreement in this matter may precipitate a situation
which both of us would seriously regret. I trust that you can give
me an indication as to the attitude of your Government upon the

formula which we considered sometime ago.
I am [etce. ] Rosert LANnsIne

763.72/2327% ; Telegram
The German Ambassador (Bernstorf) to the Secretary of State

New Yors, December 16, 1915—10: 07 a.m.
[Received 10:15 a. m.]
Your letter followed me here where I have urgent business for a
day. Iam sending one more wireless to Berlin. It is really not our
fault if the events of the last weeks postponed a solution of the older

question.
J. BERNSTORFF