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LOT #42193 |
Starting Bid: $5,000
Theodore Roosevelt Autograph Manuscript...
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Description
Theodore Roosevelt Writes a Candid Memorandum on the Neutral Nations of Europe During World War I: "It seems to me that we should consider, far more carefully than we have done, our duty in connection with the neutral nations...It would be a misfortune to mankind to have them crushed."
Theodore Roosevelt Autograph Manuscript (unsigned). Four
pages in pencil (silked), 7 3/4 x 11 3/8 inches; [no place];
[circa 1915].A fascinating World War I-date memorandum in Theodore Roosevelt's hand, written for Henry Cabot Lodge, setting out Roosevelt's views on the place of the smaller neutral nations bordering the European war zone, and on the need to protect them from both German aggression and needless economic injury from the Allied Powers. Roosevelt writes at length about Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Holland, and Switzerland, arguing that these countries should remain outside the conflict. It reads, in part:
"It seems to me that we should consider, far more carefully than we have done, our duty in connection with the neutral nations in immediate proximity to the European combatants; Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Holland and Switzerland. These are small nations, of exceptionally high ethnic and cultural type. I believe that in their hearts they empathize with us in this way. They are, probably on the whole in more fundamental agreement with us, socially, politically, and in the deeper relations of life, than any of its larger continental powers. It would be a misfortune to mankind to have them crushed as Belgium has been crushed. It would be a misfortune to us and to them to make them feel that we have wantonly injured them.
I would very keenly regret to see them come into the war at this time. They would merely be beaten down by the ruthless military power of Germany, exactly as Romania, and Serbia have been beaten down...Therefore these nations must remain neutral...
Can we not adopt some such plan as the following. At once send to each country a couple of experts...Let these experts find out just what goods these countries need for their own consumption...then arrange an embargo or blockade so that no unnecessary suffering to the neutral country will be caused...
Let us reasonably sure that we cause the minimum damage to these neutral nations...and that if in any case the damage to Germany would not be very great and evident, we consider carefully whether the gain by afflicting it may not be offset by the suffering of the neutral power...
I only suggest that we hold the above as a general ideal, applying to to the various cases as the varying conditions may determine..."
At the time of writing, Roosevelt was publicly attacking President Woodrow Wilson's policy of American neutrality, which he regarded as passive, shortsighted, and dangerous in the face of German aggression. It may seem surprising, then, that Roosevelt writes with such conviction for protecting the neutrality of Northern European nations. However, Roosevelt did not oppose neutrality in principle; rather, he believed that weaker states on the margins of the war should be kept out of it if possible. In his view, countries such as the Scandinavian kingdoms, Holland, and Switzerland lacked the military strength to survive direct involvement and would be crushed if drawn into the conflict. He therefore argues for a policy that would keep pressure on Germany while avoiding unnecessary hardship for the smaller neutral powers, reinforcing his idea of America as an "international police power," protecting its interests and maintaining stability through a "big stick" policy.
A revealing document from the midst of the Great War, preserving Roosevelt's candid views on neutrality, power, and the strategic position of Europe's smaller states.
Condition: Good overall. Each leaf silked on both sides; evenly browned throughout. A touch of loss to the left edge of the fourth page, just touching text. Writing remains highly legible.
Auction Info
2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction #6331 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
June
19th
Friday
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Auction Dates
June
19th
Friday
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