The intimate papers of Colonel House arranged as a narrative by Charles Seymour.

CRISIS AFTER SINKING OF LUSITANIA 435

She may also think that mi the peace conference we would
be likely to use our influence to settle upon broader and
easier terms for Germany.
Or she may think that being able to torpedo our ships
would contribute to the isolation of England.
If, unhappily, it is necessary to go to war, I hope you will
give the world an exhibition of American efficiency that will
be a lesson for a century or more. It is generally believed
throughout Europe that we are so unprepared and that it
would take so long to put our resources into action, that
our entering would make but little difference.
In the event of war, we should accelerate the manufacture
of munitions to such an extent that we could supply not
only ourselves but the Allies, and so quickly that the world
would be astounded.
You can never know how deeply I regret the turn affairs
have taken, but it may be for the ultimate good. My heart
goes out to you at this time as never before, and I think of
you every hour of the day and wish that I was by your side.
My consolation is that I may be of greater service here.
Your affectionate
E. M. HOUSE
Colonel House's conversations in London make it clear
that both he and his British friends believed that Germany
had embarked upon a course which would inevitably bring
the United States into the war. The Colonel discussed with
Kitchener the value of American intervention to the Allies.
'May 12, 1915: Lord Kitchener has asked to meet me and
invited me to come to the War Office or to York House as I
preferred. I seldom go to any of the offices, so I met him at
York House at six o'clock....
'He was very cordial. When I put the question as to
whether it would be of benefit to the Allies for the United