Outside the White House, Wilson's many notes to Germany and their replies became the target of wry humor, as when one editor wrote: "Dear Kaiser: In spite of previous correspondence on the subject another ship with American citizens on board has been sunk. Under the circumstances we feel constrained to inform you, in a spirit of utmost friendliness, that a repetition of the incident will of necessity require the dispatch of another note to your majesty's most estimable and peace-loving government." As
During World War I, President Wilson's communications with Germany regarding the sinking of ships became a source of irony. Despite multiple warnings, American ships continued to be attacked, leading to a humorous editorial that poked fun at Wilson's persistent yet futile diplomatic efforts. The editor's mock letter to the Kaiser highlighted the absurdity of the situation while maintaining an ostensible tone of friendliness.
This commentary reflects the frustration of the American public as they watched their government struggle with a clearly aggressive adversary. The repeated sinking of American vessels showcased the ineffectiveness of diplomatic messages, emphasizing the growing tension and the eventual shift towards more direct involvement in the conflict, as detailed in Erik Larson's "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania."
