Lot 432

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Description:

Woodrow Wilson Doubles Down on America's Neutrality in the World War I

1p typed, measuring 7" x 8.875", Washington, D.C., dated April 5, 1915. Signed "Woodrow Wilson" and addressed to journalist William Bayard Hale. Hale shared a close relationship with President Wilson as his confidant until differences over the United States' policies early in World War I soured their friendship. The beginnings of their conflict can be seen in this letter, stamped "Personal and Confidential", in which Wilson discusses his desire to remain neutral.

In full:

"The argument contained in your letter of April second is a strong one and contains certain persuasive features, but the suggestion is in effect a suggestion of reprisal and I should be very loath to see this nation, which at present stands for peace not only, but for the use only of just and reasonable methods, adopt a policy which would seem to be in the imitation or retaliation of anything proposed on the other side of the water. I really think we should cultivate a different spirit in the matter. We are detached and can keep our minds clear of any sort of feeling that might mislead us." With a flattened mail fold and light edge soiling. Clear signature by Wilson.

William Bayard Hale (1869-1924) was an American journalist who also wrote a 1912 campaign biography of Wilson. The two men shared a good relationship until he became a propaganda agent for Germany and the U.S. entered the war. His views, along with his 1915 book American Rights and British Pretensions on the Sea, resulted in him being ostracized and he permanently moved to Europe following WWI.

World War I broke out in July 1914, following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. With much of Europe being pitted against each other, Wilson adopted a stance of neutrality and fought to keep the United States out of the war. In early 1915, Germany sank three American ships, but Wilson chose to view the incidents as accidents, rather than push Americans into a war across the ocean. After the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram and numerous additional attacks on American ships, however, Wilson could no longer turn a blind eye and the U.S. entered the war on April 6, 1917.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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January 6, 2021 10:30 AM EST
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