Frank I. Cobb to Woodrow Wilson
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Dear Mr. President
This comes from Victor Ridder of the Staats-Zeitung, who may or may not be acting in good faith.
Certain influential German-Americans in New York, who profess to believe that Germany is beaten in the war and that the German people themselves would realize it if they knew what the United States is actually doing and what it intends to do, think that an enormous effect would be produced in Germany if the facts could be presented directly to the leaders of German liberalism. They have a plan to send a committee to Copenhagen and from there get in touch with men like Scheidemann and Harden and present the case. They say this could be done if the United States Government permitted them to go without official knowledge or responsibility for their undertaking and they say that it would have an immediate influence in furthering peace.
Whether this is a new manifestation of the Stockholm Conference, I do not know; but they are very anxious to get their idea to you. They may or may not be sincere. Personally, I think they realize that Germany is at the end of her rope. If you care to consider the matter at all, I could easily find out what kind of a committee they propose to send to Copenhagen. The names and records could be investigated and that might throw light on the good faith of the undertaking. In supping with this particular devil, a very long spoon is necessary and, of course, neither you nor Secretary Lansing could have any official knowledge of the purposes of such a committee. At best, its members could be allowed to go only as other American citizens are allowed to go abroad, on personal business. It may be merely another instance of Greeks bearing gifts, but if you would like a more thorough investigation made of the matter, we can easily do it for you.
There is no doubt that your reply to the Vatican has made a most extraordinary impression upon the minds of the German-Americans. They see in it the only ray of hope for the German people. My own guess is that, inasmuch as all German minds are more or less alike, it is bound to have the same effect over there as here, except as the reaction may be delayed by the obstacles interposed by the German Government.
With sincere regards,
As ever yours,Frank I. Cobb.
The President
The White House
Washington, DC
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