Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson

Title

Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson

Creator

Lansing, Robert, 1864-1928

Identifier

WWP22249

Date

1918 February 15

Source

Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers, 1786-1957

Text

My dear Mr. President

I have read the enclosed memorandum on Revolutions in Europe by Mr. William English Walling with great interest and care, and throughout the reading I felt that Mr. Walling had a keen appreciation of the forces which are menacing the present social order in nearly every European country and which may have to be reckoned with even in this country. It is really a remarkable analysis of the dangerous elements which are coming to the surface and which are in many ways more to be dreaded than autocracy: the latter is despotism but an intelligent despotism, while the former is a despotism of ignorance. One, at least has the virtue of order, while the other is productive of disorder and anarchy. It is a condition which cannot but arouse the deepest concern. I think that Mr. Walling's views in regard to the Bolsheviks are helpful and sound, and after reading them I am more than ever convinced that our policy has been the right one and should be continued. In talking with the French Ambassador yesterday about Russia he said that he considered our course had been the wisest and that the other Governments had failed in dealing with the situation.

We will soon have to face this proposed socialist meeting at Stockholm and determine upon the attitude we should take in dealing with it. We must decide whether or not we are to permit Americans to obtain passports to attend the meeting there or anywhere else it may be held. The meeting of this element of society, imbued with the idea of an international social revolution, might become a very real menace to all existing forms of government, democratic as well as monarchical. And yet, if we prevent Americans from attending there is danger of seemingly confirming the charge that this nation is controlled by a capitalistic class. I see no middle course. No avoidance of a decision. I think that the subject ought to engage our attention because we should have a very definite policy determined before the time for action arrives. I thank you for letting me see Mr. Walling's memorandum which is most instructive and of which I have taken the liberty to make a copy for future reference and in order to give to it more critical study.

Enclosure:Memorandum.

Faithfully yours,Robert Lansing

Original Format

Letter

To

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/WWI0941.pdf

Collection

Citation

Lansing, Robert, 1864-1928, “Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 February 15, WWP22249, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.