Mr. Wilson announced his policy to a joint Session of
Congress last Saturday afternoon. He declared that a complete rupture with Germany had become inevitable, and stated that the German Ambassador had been given his passports that morning. He defined the causes of rupture as being the violation by Germany of all the solemn assurances given to America last May after the sinking of the Sussex.' The " dignity and honour " of the United States left him no choice in the matter. He went on to distinguish the breaking off of relations from a declaration of war, and said that he still refused to believe that Germany would carry out her threats. Only " overt acts " would convince him that she meant what she said. But if he were wrong he would come to Congress again and ask " that authority be given me to use any means which may be necessary." Finally, he said that he " took it for granted " that all other neutral countries would follow the course he had taken.
