U.S. Secret Papers 1914-18 Released

Northern Advocate, 24 February 1940, Page 7

U.S. Secret Papers 1914-18 Released

WASHINGTON, February 23.. The first volume of the secret papers of the late Robert Lansing, Secretary of State during the Great War, has been released officially, and throws a particularly interesting light on the present situation in the United States. Indeed, some observers consider history is repeating itself. As early as August 24, 1915, Mr Lansing recommended to President Wilson that the United States should go to war against Germany. “As the war has progressed, I have become more and more convinced that we are losing constantly the friendship of both parties and we would have little influence upon either in bringing about negotiations or making the terms of peace,” wrote Mr Lansing. Outside Both Worlds As far as Germany is concerned I think we have lost irretrievably, any influence we may have possessed over her Government. Our participation in any way in the restoration of peace would be resented. “As to the Allies, I believe their views on our attitude, which is misunderstood in Britain, would deprive us of influence with them.” Mr Lansing concluded; “The United States participation in the war would result in the complete restoration of the friendship and confidence of the Allies and the recognition of the United States as a party to the peace negotiations. “Should Germany win, the United States would be included in the settlement and Germany would be deprived of the free hand she would otherwise have in dealing with America after her European adversaries had been overcome.” President Wilson, in his reply, confessed that the memorandum “runs on very much the same lines as my own thought.” 191 T Opinion * Mr Lansing, o'n February 2, 1917, wrote to President Wilson: “No other honourable course remains but that! this country should, employ resource to punish the guilty nation and make it im-, potent to commit future crimes against humanity.” In a letter on March 19, 1917, Mr Lansing said: “I firmly believe war will come in a short time, whatever, we do, because the German Government seems relentless in pursuing its methods of warfare against neutral ships.” Outlining the advantages of immediate participation based on the promise that war was inevitable, Mr Lansipg concluded: “The Allies represent the principle of democracy, and the Central Powers the principle of autocracy. It is for the welfare of manlan/fl; thata democracy should succeed.” Wilson Convinced President Wilson, fearful of the reaction in Congress, demurred at a recommendation by Mr Lansing that Congress should be called for a declaration of war. Mr Lansing immediately wrote to Colonel E. M. House, the President’s personal representative, who returned from Europe advocating war on the Allies’ side, and they consulted and finally convinced President Wilson. The papers reveal that the United States sought the separation of Austria from Germany a month before she entered the war.