Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Cecil Spring Rice
Subject(s): Belgium, Bryan, William Jennings, 1860-1925, Contraband of war, Diplomatic etiquette, German Americans--Political activity, Germany, Great Britain, International relations, Naval art and science, Neutrality, Sea-power, Seizure of vessels and cargoes, Shipping--Military aspects, Shipping--Political aspects, Submarine warfare, Submarines (Ships), War--Moral and ethical aspects, Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924, World War (1914-1918)
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The success of German submarines has given Theodore Roosevelt a “very uneasy feeling.” Roosevelt is concerned that Great Britain’s ability to continue fighting might rely on American merchant shipping. As such, the British should be cautious when protesting neutrality rights and confiscating cargoes. Great Britain must decide what is in their own interests, but if they are mistaken the responsibility is upon them. Roosevelt hopes the British will avoid a “clash” with the United States, no matter who is in the right. The Wilson administration is courting the German vote and Roosevelt understands British contempt for the administration.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1915-02-05
Creator(s)
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Recipient
Spring Rice, Cecil, Sir, 1859-1918
Language
English
Period
Post-Presidential Years (1913-January 6, 1919)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
3
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 Cecil Spring Rice. [February 5, 1915]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o211604. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Cecil Spring Rice. [5 Feb. 1915]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 13, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o211604.
APA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919., [1915, February 5]. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Cecil Spring Rice.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o211604.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
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. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 13, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
