Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson

I am very glad that you have determined this Government's policy in regard to the Austro-Hungarian Empire so that the oppressed nationalities within its boundaries will be assured of our entire support of their just rights as independent peoples.

An opportunity should be taken or made, it seems to me, to announce this policy to the world, and the sooner this can be done the more effective it will be because of present conditions. Would not such an opportunity be the occasion of your addressed to oppressed races on the 4th of July?Provided you decide to announce this policy on some public occasion would it not be wise to avoid offense or a charge of lack of frankness to inform the Allied Governments in advance of our attitude? If you intend to make the announcement and if you think it advisable to communicate the policy beforehand to the other Governments, would you be good enough to indicate the form of communication by telegraph or what I may say to the diplomatic representatives here in regard to the matter?