Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson

I have just learned that the Department of Commerce has assumed control over the repatriation of German women and children from the United States, and that a policy has been adopted that, for the present, no German women and children will be permitted to leave the country, for Germany.

I feel that it is my duty to bring this matter to your attention in view of the somewhat embarrassing position in which we may find ourselves because of the fact that the United States by adopting such a policy is pursuing a course wholly different from that followed by any of the belligerents, including Germany; and the Swiss Government, acting on behalf of the German Government, has requested a definite statement as to whether we are in fact refusing to repatriate German women and children.

Until recently the whole question of the repatriation of Germans, both male and female, had been handled by the Departments of State and Justice, working in conjunction, each case being decided on its own merits; and I desire now merely to call your attention to the possible embarrassments which may result from the execution of the policy adopted by the Secretary of Commerce.

As bearing on this matter I might mention a cablegram just received from the Spanish Ambassador at Berlin through our Embassy at Madrid, stating that the German Foreign Office expresses satisfaction that the United States is disposed to allow Germans to leave on a reciprocal basis, and that this corresponds with the principles adopted by the German Government in "allowing departure of Americans independent of age or sex." It is evident that, if we reply to the inquiry of the Swiss Government that German women and children are not permitted to leave the United States, the attitude of the German Government will immediately change, and a policy of reprisals against those Americans still in Germany will doubtless be the result.

With assurances of respect, etc., I am, my dear Mr. President,