Charles D. Walcott to Woodrow Wilson

My daughter, who has just returned from ten months residence in France, tells me that in the street cars, post offices, public buildings, railroad stations, and posted on the streets, you constantly meet with the sign:“Taisez-vous!
Méfiez-vous!
Les oreilles ennemies vous écoutent.”Don't talk!
Be on your guard!
The ears of the enemy are listening.Many of the American people do not yet fully realize that a state of war exists, or that they have any responsibilities. The above notice will keep constantly before them the fact that they should be on guard, alert, and thinking.Everything and anything that can make our people realize the present situation and cause them to think, cannot fail to be of service. I do not know which is the best way to carry the suggestion into effect, but if you approve, and I think it will need such authority, it can presumably be best done through the Post Office Department cooperating with various civil organizations throughout the country.The President,The White House,Washington, D. C.