Our entire history shows no pre cedent, to make mich 2 supposition Greditable. Neither the Goverament nor the people of the United States have sever given. occasion to make anyone believe that such an act of irresponsibility and indecision Would be possible, "the unrestricted submarine warfare Germany i carrying on in the
warning and without: the posal Nor Atlant, sinking ships wihoxt saving the lives of their crews. 2 [not a legal blockade under the rules (of. marine warfare, "It has never Been recognized as lawful by" the United States. America's spokesmen a International conferences, have gain and again condemned it as a form of piracy. It was expressly the violation of law and humanity in vol ed in unrestricted submarine warfare which' in 1917 caused the President and Congress to fake up arms in de-{ence of freedom of the sees.
"hitler hes not only arm up the rules of international Taw, but he is our cur hemisphere. Our Government it Seting with care and prudence. But our awn defence requires that Limite should be put to lawless aggression fon the ocean.
"the "President has, said we must not allow' stops which we have ready. taken to become ineffective.
do not minimize the—danger Which confronts us. It is an oecssion for grave seriousness. but not for Gloom or despondency, T., have Studied the military policy "of the eis Powers, and 1 donot under~ fesiimate the courage of their men in battle "But I also know well the initial tive, ready aptitude and courage of the' men of this country, I have become familiar with the plans which are being made by our military and naval leaders for, our defence, Provided we all act with promptness and united spirit, have full faith in the outcome.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.