Sherman L. Whipple to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Sherman L. Whipple to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Whipple, Sherman L. (Sherman Leland), 1862-1930
Identifier
WWP25347
Date
1918 October 29
Description
Whipple warns President Wilson about Britain's aims.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
World War, 1914-1918
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence
Contributor
Morgan Willer
Relation
WWP25348
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
Dear Mr. President:
While I do not assume that my opinion can merit your too kindly expressions, may I yet have the indulgence of saying one other thought that I have carried heavily and anxiously in my mind?
I earnestly hope that the present occasion will not be permitted to pass without a firm insistence upon a frank and explicit expression of the war aims of each of our associated nations - especially Great Britain.
A reputable journal has recently stated that it would be embarrassing for England to state her war aims with Germany’s army in the field. This is a most suggestive statement. What difference whether England expresses her views now or after Germany’s army is demobilized or helpless? England’s failure to declare herself is at least susceptible of the inference that she entertains designs which Germany’s army in the field might check or interfere with.
What these designs are has never been fully disclosed, but the intimations given out are disquieting. Mr. Balfour has just stated that England could never permit Germany’s colonies to be restored to her - and intimates pretty plainly that England herself will take them over. But a few days ago either Mr. Balfour or some other English statesman put out the suggestion that Germany’s war fleet should be divided among the Allies in proportion to their naval losses, - which means that practically the whole fleet would go to England. Will she also demand the German commercial fleet, including, perhaps, the interned ships which we now hold?
With the German army broken, I see no nation or combination of nations who, if they desired, could deny England’s demands. We certainly would be helpless, with three or four million soldiers three thousand miles across the sea, practically hostages, because they could be fed only by England’s grace.
It may be said that England’s sense of gratitude would never permit her to make or insist upon unrighteous or unfair demands; but if this be true, why should she not be willing now to state her demands frankly and fully, as you have stated ours?
I feel sure of your pardon for writing thus. I am certain you have thought it all out, yet I am very, very anxious about it, and so I have taken the liberty to write - perhaps too much for my own mental relief.
Pray do not trouble to answer. You must have so many letters that you feel constrained to reply to. It is quite enough to be assured that the thought is certainly in your mind.
Sincerely yours,
Sherman L. Whipple
The President,
The White House.
While I do not assume that my opinion can merit your too kindly expressions, may I yet have the indulgence of saying one other thought that I have carried heavily and anxiously in my mind?
I earnestly hope that the present occasion will not be permitted to pass without a firm insistence upon a frank and explicit expression of the war aims of each of our associated nations - especially Great Britain.
A reputable journal has recently stated that it would be embarrassing for England to state her war aims with Germany’s army in the field. This is a most suggestive statement. What difference whether England expresses her views now or after Germany’s army is demobilized or helpless? England’s failure to declare herself is at least susceptible of the inference that she entertains designs which Germany’s army in the field might check or interfere with.
What these designs are has never been fully disclosed, but the intimations given out are disquieting. Mr. Balfour has just stated that England could never permit Germany’s colonies to be restored to her - and intimates pretty plainly that England herself will take them over. But a few days ago either Mr. Balfour or some other English statesman put out the suggestion that Germany’s war fleet should be divided among the Allies in proportion to their naval losses, - which means that practically the whole fleet would go to England. Will she also demand the German commercial fleet, including, perhaps, the interned ships which we now hold?
With the German army broken, I see no nation or combination of nations who, if they desired, could deny England’s demands. We certainly would be helpless, with three or four million soldiers three thousand miles across the sea, practically hostages, because they could be fed only by England’s grace.
It may be said that England’s sense of gratitude would never permit her to make or insist upon unrighteous or unfair demands; but if this be true, why should she not be willing now to state her demands frankly and fully, as you have stated ours?
I feel sure of your pardon for writing thus. I am certain you have thought it all out, yet I am very, very anxious about it, and so I have taken the liberty to write - perhaps too much for my own mental relief.
Pray do not trouble to answer. You must have so many letters that you feel constrained to reply to. It is quite enough to be assured that the thought is certainly in your mind.
Sincerely yours,
Sherman L. Whipple
The President,
The White House.
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Whipple, Sherman L. (Sherman Leland), 1862-1930, “Sherman L. Whipple to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 October 29, WWP25347, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.