Woodrow Wilson: “I can only say for myself that I sincerely hope it can be.”

In recommending to you that Congress take appropriate action with regard to this agreement, certain facts should be brought to your attention.

We have been vigorously building up a great merchant marine and providing for improvement of marketing in foreign countries by the passage of an export trade law.

A recommendation at this time that suitable legislative action should be taken may appear somewhat premature, but in view of the approaching termination of my administration I have brought this matter to your attention, hoping that…

I herewith call your attention to an agreement with Belgium made by the British and French Premiers and myself.