Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Thomas F. Logan, Special Commissioner, United States Shipping Board, and Edward N. Hurley, President, United States Shipping Board, to Joseph P. Tumulty, Private Secretary to President Woodrow Wilson

Chronological Copy.                       File No <50-1-5>

          Cablegram Sent November 25 1918    Y-69

To  Opnav Washington                      Serial No. 477

Prep. by  C-1                       SX D.R.

                         51-6-B

                   S E C R E T

477, For Lord, Shipping Board, for Tumulty, Northcliff1 sent cable reference President’s visit,2 which may be helpful. Unanimous view here is that his visit is absolutely essential to a complete understanding. Clear definition of freedom of seas, especially contraband, will induce adoption of this point. British thought mainly on domestic policies until after el<ec>tions which take place December 15. We are hopeful that President’s first address will be to American army from Pershing’s headquarters, where he could strike keynote.3 Excellent opportunity for you to be of service if you accompany President.4 Logan – Hurley. 144725 477

Sims.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. This message was sent via the headquarters of VAdm. William S. Sims to Frank B. Lord, a member of the Shipping Board and an ex-newspaperman who advised Hurley on matters of public relations. Lord was to deliver this message to Tumulty, whose title was “Private Secretary,” a position that in later administrations evolved into White House Chief of Staff. Hurley, Bridge to France, 149. Hurley was in England representing the United States at a conference on European relief and shipping; Logan was serving as an advisor to Hurley.

Footnote 1: Lord Northcliffe, was the British ambassador to the United States.

Footnote 2: Wilson travelled to Europe in early December. He arrived in Brest on 13 December 1918 and travelled first to Paris. Diary of Dr. Grayson, 13 and 14 December. Wilson, Papers, 53: 378, 382.

Footnote 3: Wilson did not visit the headquarters of Maj. Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, at Chaumont, France, until 24 December 1918. Ibid., 488. His remarks there did not constitute a “keynote address.” Remarks at Humes to American Soldiers, 25 December 1918, ibid., 505-6.

Footnote 4: Tumulty remained in Washington. Tumulty to Wilson, 11 December 1918, ibid., 370.

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