Colonel House to Frank I. Cobb

Title

Colonel House to Frank I. Cobb

Creator

House, Edward Mandell, 1858-1938

Identifier

WWP21640

Date

1917 July 15

Source

Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers, 1786-1957

Language

English

Text

Dear Mr. Cobb:

Some weeks ago I asked Sir William Wiseman to suggest to you a challenge from the World to the Berliner Tageblatt to present in each paper the respective views of the Allies and the Central Powers. That is the World to offer an editorial column twice a week in which the German side of the controversy might be presented to the American people, provided the Tageblatt would give the same space in which the American side might be presented for the enlightenment of the German people.
The two papers would at once become a world forum, in which all belligerents and neutrals could form some judgment (1) as to what the quarrel was about and (2) who was in the wrong.
Northcliffe, who is here and to whom I mentioned what I had in mind, thinks it conceivable that such a discussion might lead to peace. He promises to aid in every way we think he can.
If the plan appeals to you, I hope you will come up and talk it out with me, for there are many sides to it, and no move should be made until it has been thought through. The German Government would probably decline to permit such a discussion, but the refusal would hurt their cause and help that of the Allies. Before making any move the President should approve, and his potential aid be invoked.
I am writing you direct because Sir William tells me he did not have an opportunity to present the suggestion because of your absence.
Magnolia, Massachusetts.
July 15, 1917.

Sincerely yours,
Edward M. House

Original Format

Letter

To

Frank I. Cobb

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/WWI0472.pdf

Collection

Citation

House, Edward Mandell, 1858-1938, “Colonel House to Frank I. Cobb,” 1917 July 15, WWP21640, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.