130 / 230
“SUBMARINES ARE NOTTHE SOLE
CAUSES OF DANGERTO AMERICAN LIVES”
182
●
ROOSEVELT, FRANKLIN D. Group of 4 Autograph Letters Signed,
“Roosevelt,” as President, each to Secretary of State Cordell Hull (“Hull”), retained drafts
for telegrams, in pencil, reacting to developments during the [Second Italo-Ethiopian] war
without waiting for a response from the League [of Nations]. Together 5 pages. Each 8vo,
written on rectos of separate sheets; moderate staining at left edge of each leaf (but still leg-
ible), one leaf with small hole at lower left edge with minor loss to text, minor scattered
staining. (TFC)
[Aboard the U.S.S.
Houston
], October 1935
[1,500/2,500]
First: “It is my judgment that procla-
mation issue immediately in view of
the undoubted state of war and without
waiting League action. I entirely approve
the suggested statement to be given out
at same time as proclamation.”
Second:“. . .Approve issuance proclama-
tion and also statement to accompany.
Period. Agree . . . that further action
relating to publicity of names and man-
ifests be held up for further study and
recommendation by you.”
Third: “. . . Americans sailing on bel-
ligerent ships may repeat may
jeopardize peace or endanger lives or
effect commercial interests or security of
U.S. . . . [I]f the proclamation under
section six is issued Americans will do
that travelling only at their own risk.
Italy can find no affront in this as it
carries out what I believe to be the
intent and the spirit of the law. Period.
The clinching argument is that if
Ethiopia had a single submarine in the
Mediterranean we would not hesitate a
moment. Period. But submarines are not
the sole causes of danger to American
lives and interests.”
WITH
—
Two items: Franklin D.
Roosevelt. Typed Letter Signed, as
President, to Chester C. Wood, com-
mending him on his service while handling communications during his cruise.
1
/
2
page, 4to, White
House stationery; marked staining along right edge making illegible half of signature. “U.S.S.
Houston,” 23 October 1935 * Printed information card, unsigned, describing the “U.S.S. Houston /
Second Presidential Cruise,” including a list of the cruise destinations, and the names and titles of the
crew members, as well as those of the President’s staff. 4 pages, small 4to, printed on a folded sheet.
One of the primary objectives of the League of Nations was the prevention of wars. Repeatedly, mem-
bers of the League disregarded the articles of its Covenant, such as Italy during the outbreak of the
Second Italo-Ethiopian War in early October of 1935. The U.S. never adopted the Covenant. The
ineffectiveness of the League in the face of WorldWar II led to its dissolution and the founding of the
United Nations after theWar.