Woodrow Wilson actually said...
It is hereby authorized that, through the Secretary of the Navy, there shall be taken over to the United States the immediate possession and title to the German vessels Kronprinz Wilhelm and Prinz Eitel Friedrieh, now at the navy yard, Philadelphia, the Liebenfels, now at the navy yard, Charleston, and the Geir and Loeksen, now at be naval station, Hawaii, and until further directions the Secretary of the Navy is ordered to operate and equip such vessels in the service of the Navy of the United States.
05/21/1917