They think that England is exaggerating the peril for reasons of its own.

They think I am hopelessly pro-British and that I am being used.

But if you'll take it up directly with the President, then they may be convinced." Page put on his spectacles, took the paper, and read it through.

Then, looking over the rim of his glasses in his characteristic way, he leaned toward Admiral Sims and said: "Admiral, it isn't half strong enough! I think I can write a better despatch than that, myself! At least let me try." He immediately took a pen and paper and in a few minutes he had written his own version which he gave the Admiral to read.

The latter was delighted with it and in a brief time it was on its way to Washington.
From: Ambassador Page.
To: Secretary of State.
Sent: 27 April, 1917.
_Very confidential for Secretary and President_ There is reason for the greatest alarm about the issue of the war caused by the increasing success of the German submarines.