John R. Mott to Woodrow Wilson
Title
John R. Mott to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Mott, John R. (John Raleigh), 1865-1955
Identifier
WWP25136
Date
1918 August 24
Description
Getting more YMCA workers to France would greatly help with their efforts there.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence
Young Men's Christian associations
Contributor
Anna Phillips
Relation
WWP25137
WWP25138
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
My dear Mr. President:
In accordance with the request which you made in our conversation yesterday, I write you regarding the most pressing problem in connection with the service our National War Work Council of the Young Men’s Christian Associations is seeking to render the American Expeditionary Forces. The Young Men’s Christian Association is enduring serious criticism by the soldiers and by the Army authorities in France for not sufficiently covering the field. A cable from our chief representative in France received this week reads:
“Owing lack personnel and motor transport, situation becoming impossible. For troops actually here, we require a minimum of six thousand workers, men and women. On August 18th, we had all told only two thousand five hundred and fifty-two, leaving a shortage of three thousand four hundred and forty-eight, which must be made up immediately. In addition, we require for new troops arriving approximately one thousand workers monthly.”
(Signed) Carter.
There are two thousand eight hundred and thirty-four men and five hundred and thirty-one women for whom passport application has been made, who can be ready to sail in from one hour to two weeks. These workers have all been carefully recruited, in most cases by committees of the leading men and women in their home communities, then re-examined by specially qualified individuals or committees in their state or military department. This is in addition to the searching examination at our national headquarters. References of high standing in their communities have reported confidentially on their character, their calibre, their loyalty to the Government, their freedom from pacificism or political socialism. We stand ready, therefore, to deliver the workers required, if we can secure passports and steamer accomodations.
Regarding the matter of steamer accomodations, let me state that we have secured the control of a vessel sailing Monday, September 2nd, and having twelve hundred berths. We cannot avail ourselves of this unusual opportunity partially to meet the demand from overseas, unless the Military Intelligence Bureau of the War Department and the Passport Bureau of the State Department cooperate with us to an exceptional degree to meet this emergency. We appreciate the great burden that has been thrust upon these bureaus by our recruiting this great number of workers to keep pace with the hosts of soldiers proceeding overseas, and will be glad to loan immediately from our New York and Washington offices, if desired, a number of our best assistants and clerks.
More than seven hundred men and women from all parts of the United States, especially trained for this overseas work, are now in New York City. Their loyalty has been investigated by our processes as suggested to us by the War Department, and their character has been under especial observation during the past few weeks. Another five hundred, making up the twelve hundred, can be called to New York within two or three days.
The situation amounts to a crisis in our work overseas. This prompts me to make the suggestion that immediate clearance be granted by the War Department and passports issued by the State Department:
First, to the more than seven hundred candidates in New York who are ready to sail.
Secondly, to five or six hundred others, men and women, selected from the more than two thousand names now being investigated by the War Department.
These workers would not arrive in France until two weeks after their clearance. The further investigation of these candidates could be completed after they sail and on their arrival in Europe we would immediately deport at our expense any concerning whom unfavorable reports might be received.
The prompt sending of these twelve hundred workers would help enormously in enabling our greatly undermanned staff overseas to render to our soldiers and sailors the service which the military and naval authorities have requested and which is so greatly needed. Whatever you may find it possible to do to meet this situation will be profoundly appreciated.
With highest regard,
Faithfully yours,
John R. Mott
The President,
The White House.
In accordance with the request which you made in our conversation yesterday, I write you regarding the most pressing problem in connection with the service our National War Work Council of the Young Men’s Christian Associations is seeking to render the American Expeditionary Forces. The Young Men’s Christian Association is enduring serious criticism by the soldiers and by the Army authorities in France for not sufficiently covering the field. A cable from our chief representative in France received this week reads:
“Owing lack personnel and motor transport, situation becoming impossible. For troops actually here, we require a minimum of six thousand workers, men and women. On August 18th, we had all told only two thousand five hundred and fifty-two, leaving a shortage of three thousand four hundred and forty-eight, which must be made up immediately. In addition, we require for new troops arriving approximately one thousand workers monthly.”
(Signed) Carter.
There are two thousand eight hundred and thirty-four men and five hundred and thirty-one women for whom passport application has been made, who can be ready to sail in from one hour to two weeks. These workers have all been carefully recruited, in most cases by committees of the leading men and women in their home communities, then re-examined by specially qualified individuals or committees in their state or military department. This is in addition to the searching examination at our national headquarters. References of high standing in their communities have reported confidentially on their character, their calibre, their loyalty to the Government, their freedom from pacificism or political socialism. We stand ready, therefore, to deliver the workers required, if we can secure passports and steamer accomodations.
Regarding the matter of steamer accomodations, let me state that we have secured the control of a vessel sailing Monday, September 2nd, and having twelve hundred berths. We cannot avail ourselves of this unusual opportunity partially to meet the demand from overseas, unless the Military Intelligence Bureau of the War Department and the Passport Bureau of the State Department cooperate with us to an exceptional degree to meet this emergency. We appreciate the great burden that has been thrust upon these bureaus by our recruiting this great number of workers to keep pace with the hosts of soldiers proceeding overseas, and will be glad to loan immediately from our New York and Washington offices, if desired, a number of our best assistants and clerks.
More than seven hundred men and women from all parts of the United States, especially trained for this overseas work, are now in New York City. Their loyalty has been investigated by our processes as suggested to us by the War Department, and their character has been under especial observation during the past few weeks. Another five hundred, making up the twelve hundred, can be called to New York within two or three days.
The situation amounts to a crisis in our work overseas. This prompts me to make the suggestion that immediate clearance be granted by the War Department and passports issued by the State Department:
First, to the more than seven hundred candidates in New York who are ready to sail.
Secondly, to five or six hundred others, men and women, selected from the more than two thousand names now being investigated by the War Department.
These workers would not arrive in France until two weeks after their clearance. The further investigation of these candidates could be completed after they sail and on their arrival in Europe we would immediately deport at our expense any concerning whom unfavorable reports might be received.
The prompt sending of these twelve hundred workers would help enormously in enabling our greatly undermanned staff overseas to render to our soldiers and sailors the service which the military and naval authorities have requested and which is so greatly needed. Whatever you may find it possible to do to meet this situation will be profoundly appreciated.
With highest regard,
Faithfully yours,
John R. Mott
The President,
The White House.
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Mott, John R. (John Raleigh), 1865-1955, “John R. Mott to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 August 24, WWP25136, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.