Newton D. Baker to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Newton D. Baker to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Baker, Newton Diehl, 1871-1937
Identifier
WWP25138
Date
1918 August 29
Description
Will not be possible to streamline the clearance procedure for YMCA volunteers who want to go to France.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
World War, 1914-1918--United States
Passports--United States
Young Men's Christian associations
Contributor
Danna Faulds
Relation
WWP25136
WWP25137
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
My dear Mr. President:
I have read Mr. Mott’s letter of the twenty-fourth, which you were good enough to send me with your letter of the twenty-seventh, and am very sympathetic with the point of view expressed by Mr. Mott. I, of course, realize the delay which is inherent in an examination of the applications for passports by our Military Intelligence, which seems to Mr. Mott to be unnecessary in view of the previous examination of applicants through the channels of the Y. M. C. A.
I hardly see, however, how we can wisely adopt a different rule for the Y. M. C. A. than that which applies to the other organizations which are recognized by the War Department and are rendering somewhat similar service to the Army abroad. Any exceptions made for one organization would, I fear, immediately be taken by the other organizations as a discrimination which would be difficult for us to explain or justify. The experience of the Military Intelligence, on the other hand, is clear that some organizations are selecting men whom it would be unwise to send across, and only after investigation by the Military Intelligence can we exercise wise and fair discrimination.
I am asking Colonel Churchill, in view of the special circumstances related in Mr. Mott’s letter, if he will not expedite in every way possible passports for the Y. M. C. A. members now awaiting passage, and I am sure he will do everything possible to enable those about whom there is no question to sail at an early date.
If you feel that any further exception on behalf of the Y. M. C. A. is wise, I shall of course be very glad to follow your wishes.
Respectfully yours,
Newton D. Baker
Enc
D
I have read Mr. Mott’s letter of the twenty-fourth, which you were good enough to send me with your letter of the twenty-seventh, and am very sympathetic with the point of view expressed by Mr. Mott. I, of course, realize the delay which is inherent in an examination of the applications for passports by our Military Intelligence, which seems to Mr. Mott to be unnecessary in view of the previous examination of applicants through the channels of the Y. M. C. A.
I hardly see, however, how we can wisely adopt a different rule for the Y. M. C. A. than that which applies to the other organizations which are recognized by the War Department and are rendering somewhat similar service to the Army abroad. Any exceptions made for one organization would, I fear, immediately be taken by the other organizations as a discrimination which would be difficult for us to explain or justify. The experience of the Military Intelligence, on the other hand, is clear that some organizations are selecting men whom it would be unwise to send across, and only after investigation by the Military Intelligence can we exercise wise and fair discrimination.
I am asking Colonel Churchill, in view of the special circumstances related in Mr. Mott’s letter, if he will not expedite in every way possible passports for the Y. M. C. A. members now awaiting passage, and I am sure he will do everything possible to enable those about whom there is no question to sail at an early date.
If you feel that any further exception on behalf of the Y. M. C. A. is wise, I shall of course be very glad to follow your wishes.
Respectfully yours,
Newton D. Baker
Enc
D
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Baker, Newton Diehl, 1871-1937, “Newton D. Baker to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 August 29, WWP25138, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.