Code telegram from Joseph P. Walshe to Robert Brennan (Washington)
(No. 197) (Personal) (Copy)

Your 296.¹ Route was selected because of proximity of German bases to southern route. Your assertion in 2nd part of telegram undoubtedly true but it would perhaps be better to stick to fundamental fact that any attempt to seize our ports would be act of aggression which would be resisted to bitter end. Britain has no more right to our ports than Italians to Greek ports. Government's supreme duty is to keep our people out of war because war means our destruction as a nation. The seizure or handing over of ports means instant involvement. No people in the world has shown more definitely its desire to remain at peace. Would Americans talk about going into war themselves if they knew that their destruction would follow? Judging from your cuttings the best argument is that the people will resist to the last man.