Woodrow Wilson: “I tell you plainly that this measure which I urge upon you is vital to the winning of the war and to the energies alike…”

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.

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

Clearly, this is no time for the erection here of high trade barriers.