Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward Grey
Subject(s): Alliances, American Civil War (1861-1865), Belgium, Bright, John, 1811-1889, Bryan, William Jennings, 1860-1925, Contraband of war, France, Germany, Great Britain, International relations--Moral and ethical aspects, International relations--Public opinion, International trade--Political aspects, Journalism and public relations, Journalism, Military, Neutral trade with belligerents, Spring Rice, Cecil, Sir, 1859-1918, War correspondents, War--Moral and ethical aspects, War--Public opinion, Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924, World War (1914-1918)
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The crux of the war for Theodore Roosevelt is Belgium and he will judge other nations by their conduct. Therefore, he opposes Germany for its actions in Belgium and praises Great Britain’s and France’s actions as a model for good faith and international morality. American public opinion has recently shifted in favor of the allies, but pro-German feeling had been growing for several months before this change. Roosevelt attributes the growth of this sentiment to the “lavish attentions” shown to American war correspondents by the Germans. He suggests the allies be more open and accommodating to correspondents. A closer view of the allied side will be beneficial to American public opinion and is unlikely to negatively interfere with military operations. Roosevelt also warns against being too strict with contraband. American trade is vastly more beneficial to the allies and could become a vital factor in the war. The allies must maintain these advantages and should be careful not to incite the American government or public. Roosevelt hopes that “every possible consideration” will be shown to the American flag and position.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1915-01-22
Creator(s)
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Recipient
Grey of Fallodon, Edward Grey, Viscount, 1862-1933
Language
English
Period
Post-Presidential Years (1913-January 6, 1919)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
9
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward Grey. [January 22, 1915]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o211489. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward Grey. [22 Jan. 1915]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. January 9, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o211489.
APA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919., [1915, January 22]. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward Grey.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o211489.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. January 9, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
