William G. McAdoo to Woodrow Wilson

Title

William G. McAdoo to Woodrow Wilson

Creator

McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941

Identifier

WWP21611

Date

1917 July 9

Source

Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers, 1786-1957

Language

English

Text

Dear Mr. President

July 9, 1917.
PERSONAL.

The enclosed clipping recites the arrest of Carl Heynen in New York. I am glad to see that this has been done. Our Secret Service has had this man under more or less observation for the past two years. He is one of the most active German agents in this country. He was concerned originally in buying up munitions plants in this country to prevent the manufacture and shipment of supplies to the Allies; was active in Mexico and is even now interested in the Mexican oil fields and has been doing all the mischief he can down there. His counsel are Hayes, Kaufman & Lindheim, of New York City, who represent professionally German interests in this country. They are also attorneys for the New York Evening Mail, which was bought up by German sympathizers and is being published by them.
When Bernstorff was dismissed, Heynen was among those slated to leave the country. He and his pro-German American friends brought pressure upon the State Department to let him remain. This was at the instance of the German Embassy. They even succeeded in getting Henry Morgenthau to intervene with the State Department in Heynen's behalf. I told Mr. Polk at the time that Heynen ought to be sent out of the country, but, to my surprise, he and the Secretary of State decided to let him remain. Mr. Polk was familiar with the facts I am giving you, because he has read the Secret Service reports. I do not mean this as criticism – it is mistaken leniency.
This is typical of what is going on in the country. The German spy system is highly organized and is operating efficiently. I have no hysterical notions about it, but I think it ought to be extirpated with a strong hand. The country is very much aroused about the German spy activities. What you said on this subject in your Flag Day speech made a great impression. I earnestly hope that you will soon take action to make more effective the secret service agencies of the government, so that the dangerous activities of German agents and sympathizers in this country may be more effectively dealt with.

Cordially yours,
WG McAdoo

Original Format

Letter

To

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/WWI0454.pdf

Collection

Citation

McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941, “William G. McAdoo to Woodrow Wilson,” 1917 July 9, WWP21611, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.