The mere dismissal of Bernstorff, in the Ambassador's opinion, would accomplish this result.
In a communication sent to the President on February 15, 1916, he made this plain.
_To the President_ February 15, 7 P.M.
The Cabinet has directed the Censor to suppress, as far as he can with prudence, comment which is unfavourable to the United States.
He has taken this action because the public feeling against the Administration is constantly increasing.

Because the _Lusitania_ controversy has been going on so long, and because the Germans are using it in their renewed U-boat campaign, the opinion of this country has reached a point where only prompt action can bring a turn in the tide.

Therefore my loyalty to you would not be complete if I should refrain from sending, in the most respectful terms, the solemn conviction which I hold about our opportunity and our duty.
If you immediately refuse to have further parley or to yield one jot or tittle of your original _Lusitania_ notes, and if you at once break diplomatic relations with the German Empire, and then declare the most vigorous embargo of the Central Powers, you will quickly end the war.

There will be an immediate collapse in German credit.

If there are any Allies who are wavering, such action will hold them in line.