LANSING PAPERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 February 1940, Page 5

LANSING PAPERS

AMERICAN POLICY DURING GREAT WAR ISSUE OF PARTICIPATION. HISTORY MAY BE REPEATING ITSELF. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. WASHINGTON, February 23. The first volume of the secret papers of Mr Robert Lansing, Secretary 7 of State during the Great War, was released officially 7 today 7 and is particularly 7 interesting in the light of the present situ-' ation in the United States. Indeed, some observers consider that history is repeating itself.

As early as August 24. 1915, Mr Lansing recommended to President Wilson that the United States go to war against Germany. He explained, “As the war has progressed I have become more and more convinced that we are losing constantly the friendship of both parties and we would have little influence upon either in bringing about negotiations or moulding the terms of peace. “As far as Germany is concerned, I think we have lost irretrievably any influence we may have'possessed over her Government. Our participation anyway in the restoration of peace would be resented.

“As to the Allies, I believe their views of our attitude, which is misunderstood in Britain, would deprive us of influence with them. - ’ Mr Lansing concluded: “The United States’ participation in the war would result in a complete restoration of the friendship and confidence of the Allies and a recognition of the United States as a party in peace negotiations. Should Germany win, the United States would be included in the settlement and Germany would be deprived of the free hand she otherwise would have in dealing with America after her European adversaries were overcome.”' Mr Wilson, replying, confessed that the memorandum “runs on very much the same lines as my own thoughts.” On' February 2, 1917, Mr Lansing wrote to Mr Wilson: “No other honourable course remains but that this country employ every resource to punish the guilty nation and make it impotent to commit future crimes against humanity.” In a letter on March 19, 1917, he said: “I firmly believe war will come in a short time, whatever we do, because the German Government seems relentless in pursuing its methods of warfare against neutral ships.” Outlining the advantages of immediate participation based on the premise that war for the United States was inevitable, Mr Lansing concluded: “The Allies represent the principle of demqcracy and the Central Powers the principle of autocracy. It is for the welfare of mankind that democracy should succeed.”

Mr Wilson, fearful of the Congressional reaction, demurred to Mr Lansing’s recommendation that Congress be called for a declaration of war. Mr Lansing immediately wrote to the American envoy, Colonel House, who returned from Europe, advocating war on the Allies’ side. They consulted and finally convinced Mr Wilson. The papers reveal that the United States sought a separation of Austria from Germany a month before she entered the war. *