Josephus Daniels to Woodrow Wilson

Replying to your request for a memorandum regarding imperative matters Congress should take up to strengthen the Navy, I am recommending authorization for such additional personnel and their thorough training as may be needed to man the rapidly increasing number of ships in service. Such authorization will be necessary. I have also recommended appropriations to complete the ships authorized in the three year building program and to add such craft as changing conditions may demonstrate to be most effective. I made this recommendation, which includes additional battle-cruisers and dreadnaughts, even though we have not begun the actual construction of the battle-cruisers and some of the dreadnaughts for which appropriations were made at the last session of Congress. Contracts for their construction have been entered into, but the paRAM Ount necessity of building a large fleet of destroyers and merchant ships made it necessary, as you know, to give priority to such ships. However, I think the money should be provided to carry out the full three year building program, and with the money provided, as soon as possible we can begin their construction. Aside from more men, and large provision for their training, and money for necessary ships, I do not think there is any naval legislation imperative enough to call for special emphasis in your message to Congress.

The splendid service of the men in the Navy, particularly on the destroyers and in the gun crews on the merchant ships, dangerous and rigorous, exacting already the toll of 68 young lives, might well be included if you think suitable at this time.

Sincerely,

The President.