ns took place during the course of last week, and
on Sunday--the 27th--I invited the Spanish Ambassador to luncheon
at Tangley when I was able to get him to confirm what Y had said of
his Sovereign's attitude and opinions.

I may mention for what it is worth that on Hoover's last trip to
Germany he was told by Bullock, of the Philadelphia _Ledger_, that
Zimmermann of the Berlin Foreign Office had told him that the
Germans had intended in June to take steps for an armistice which
were prevented by the preparations for the allied offensive in the
west.

Y was very emphatic in what he said of the attitude of his
government and the British people toward continuing the war to an
absolutely conclusive end, and I was much impressed. He said among
other things that the execution of Captain Fryatt had had a
markedly perceptible effect in hardening British public opinion
against Germany and fixing the determination to fight to a
relentless finish. This corresponds exactly with my own
observations.

I leave this letter entirely in your hands. You will know what use
to make of it. It is meant as an official communication in
everything but the usual form from which I have departed for
reasons I need not explain further.

I look forward eagerly to your return,

Very sincerely yours,

IRWIN LAUGHLIN.

Page waited five weeks before he succeeded in obtaining his interview
with Mr. Wilson.

_To the President_

The New Willard, Washington, D.C.

Thursday, September 21, 1916.

DEAR MR. PRESIDENT:

While I am waiting for a convenient time to come when you will see
me for a conference and report, I send you notes on conversations
with Lord Grey and Lord Bryce[47]. They are, in effect, though of
course not in form, messages to you.

The situation between our government and Great Britain seems to me
most alarming; and (let me add) easily removable, if I can get the
ear of anybody in authority. But I find here only an atmosphere of
suspicion--unwarranted by facts and easily dissipated by straight
and simple friendly methods. I am sure of this.

I have, besides, a most important and confidential message for you
from the British Government which they prefer should be orally
delivered.

And I have written out a statement of m