William L. Saunders to Woodrow Wilson 17 July 1917

TELEGRAM.
21 WU JM 100 D.L.240pm
New York, July 17, 1917 1:09 p.M

The President:My chief concern in the so-called Goethals Denman controversy is that nothing should be done to interfere with the important work of protecting the ships that now float by the offensive and defensive measures which have been recommended in the GoethalsRousseau report, made in cooperation with the naval consulting board. These plans I personally laid before you at the White House; substantial progress has since been made. It seems to me to be as important to protect ships that now float as to build new ones. The cooperation and splendid executive work of General Goethals is materially aiding us.

W. L. Saunders.