Woodrow Wilson to Henry P. Davison

Title

Woodrow Wilson to Henry P. Davison

Creator

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

Identifier

WWP25310

Date

[1918 October 24]

Description

President Wilson replies to request from American Red Cross.

Source

Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers

Publisher

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum

Subject

American Red Cross
Baker, Newton Diehl, 1871-1937
World War, 1914-1918--United States

Contributor

Danna Faulds

Relation

WWP25308
WWP25309

Language

English

Provenance

Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.

Text

SUGGESTED CABLEGRAM TO

Mr. H. P. Davison,
American Red Cross,
Paris, France.

I received some days ago your cablegram with regard to the possible impairment of the work of the American Red Cross in France by reason of the extension of the draft ages for military service. The Secretary of War and I have conferred on the subject and have considered an opinion of the Judge Advocate General which decides that the militarization of the Red Cross personnel as proposed would be unlawful.

From every side, I hear daily of the splendid work the Red Cross has done and is doing in France, and its efficiency must not decrease. Will you not say to the men who are in its service, for me, that the work they are doing is patriotic and valuable, and that it is their duty to yield their own judgment and desires in the matter of actual military service to the larger good which is accomplished for the Army and the country by their continuance in the work of the Red Cross, and in the maintenance of its unparallelled services alike to our soldiers and those of our Allies, and, through them, to their country? With this assurance, I feel persuaded they will be content to continue in the service of the Red Cross.

WOODROW WILSON.

Original Format

Letter

To

Davison, Henry Pomeroy, 1867-1922

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/WWI1272B.pdf

Collection

Citation

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924, “Woodrow Wilson to Henry P. Davison,” [1918 October 24], WWP25310, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.