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.
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
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.