"President Wilson's Historical Message, Part III" [Excerpt 2]
by President Woodrow Wilson
Record courtesy of Clarence Johnson |
This condensation of another section of Wilson's declaration of war leaves out some details but makes it clear that any opportunity for trust or even toleration has passed. The vague reference to enemies on our doorstep references the Zimmerman telegram and acting against "our peace and security at its convenience" can only refer to Germany's resumption of unlimited submarine warfare. The tone of Wilson's rhetoric has changed. The condensation may have been a nod to the limits imposed by the recording industry and, indeed, Wilson may not have felt that all those specifics were necessary in spoken address to the listening public. What is important is that the time for diplomacy has passed, and now loyalties must be put to the test.
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