Colonel House to Woodrow Wilson

Title

Colonel House to Woodrow Wilson

Creator

House, Edward Mandell, 1858-1938

Identifier

WWP22418

Date

1918 June 25

Source

Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers, 1786-1957

Text

Dear Governor

I am enclosing you a copy of a letter which I have written Lord Robert Cecil in response to one from him in which he asks for my personal views.

The sentiment is growing rapidly everywhere in favor of some organized opposition to war and I think it essential that you should guide the movement. It will not wait for the peace conference and, while I can understand that you would not want to commit yourself to any plan until the war is ended, yet, there are other ways by which you can direct it.

The trouble that I see ahead is that the English, French or the groups here may hit upon some scheme that will appeal to people generally and around it public opinion will chrystalize to such an extent that it will be difficult to change the form at the peace conference. It is one of the things with which your name should be linked during the ages. The whole world look upon you as the champion of the idea, but there is a feeling not only in this country but in England and France as well that you are reluctant to take the initiative.

If you do not approve the letter which I have written Lord Robert, I can stop it.

Everywhere the most popular slogan is, "This is a war to make future wars impossible", and I believe that sentiment animates not only the people but the soldiers as well.

Affectionately yours,
E. M. House

Magnolia, Mass.

Original Format

Letter

To

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/WWI1056.pdf

Collection

Citation

House, Edward Mandell, 1858-1938, “Colonel House to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 June 25, WWP22418, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.