Key Pittman to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Key Pittman to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Pittman, Key, 1872-1940
Identifier
WWP25298
Date
1918 October 23
Description
Senator Pittman tells President Wilson his thoughts on Germany.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Peace negotiations
Germany
Contributor
Anna Phillips
Relation
WWP25299
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
At the Executive Offices.
My dear Mr. President:
On yesterday evening I gave an interview to the New York papers with regard to the last German peace note. I did this only after I was convinced by a canvass of the sentiments expressed in the Senate and in the press that there could be but one construction of the character of the government sending the note. I am now uneasy that I should have taken the liberty to anticipate your reply, no matter how sure I may be in my mind of its effect. In my interview I said substantially this:
“Of course, the German government has not complied with the President’s ultimatum, but to me the phase of the note that is particularly interesting is the conclusive evidence of the breaking up of the German government. It also clearly indicates that the President’s note of inquiry and his ultimatum in reply to the answer of the German government has reached the German people and their sentiments are being reflected upon the government. It will undoubtedly hasten the surrender of the German government, which is inevitable. These things prove the wisdom of the President’s diplomacy.”
To my mind, the so-called German reforms in no way control the action of the Kaiser and his government. I believe that the world understands that you have meant from the first that the Kaiser and his military government must abdicate before there will be an honest government in Germany. I am optomistic in the belief that your diplomacy is about to accomplish that purpose.
I will not again make the mistake of anticipating any reply that may be coming from you, although I feel as certain as I do not about what your reply will be. I realize the tremendous burden that is upon you and together with your other sincere friends long for some opportunity to be of assistance.
Very sincerely yours,
(KEY PITTMAN)
The President,
The White House,
Washington, DC
My dear Mr. President:
On yesterday evening I gave an interview to the New York papers with regard to the last German peace note. I did this only after I was convinced by a canvass of the sentiments expressed in the Senate and in the press that there could be but one construction of the character of the government sending the note. I am now uneasy that I should have taken the liberty to anticipate your reply, no matter how sure I may be in my mind of its effect. In my interview I said substantially this:
“Of course, the German government has not complied with the President’s ultimatum, but to me the phase of the note that is particularly interesting is the conclusive evidence of the breaking up of the German government. It also clearly indicates that the President’s note of inquiry and his ultimatum in reply to the answer of the German government has reached the German people and their sentiments are being reflected upon the government. It will undoubtedly hasten the surrender of the German government, which is inevitable. These things prove the wisdom of the President’s diplomacy.”
To my mind, the so-called German reforms in no way control the action of the Kaiser and his government. I believe that the world understands that you have meant from the first that the Kaiser and his military government must abdicate before there will be an honest government in Germany. I am optomistic in the belief that your diplomacy is about to accomplish that purpose.
I will not again make the mistake of anticipating any reply that may be coming from you, although I feel as certain as I do not about what your reply will be. I realize the tremendous burden that is upon you and together with your other sincere friends long for some opportunity to be of assistance.
Very sincerely yours,
(KEY PITTMAN)
The President,
The White House,
Washington, DC
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Pittman, Key, 1872-1940, “Key Pittman to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 October 23, WWP25298, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.