701.6211/328½

The Secretary of State to Colonel E. M. House

My Dear Colonel House: Your letter arrived too late for me to change the making public the request for the recall of Boy-Ed and [Page 89] von Papen. I did so this afternoon, as you will know before this letter reaches you.

I have seen Bernstorff two or three times in regard to this matter and am impressed with the fact that he was more fearful of his own skin than the skins of his Military and Naval Attachés. I attempted, in making the announcement, to put it on grounds which could not apply to the Ambassador himself, and I agree with you that he is entitled to consideration. I observed, as you have, his nervousness and the fact that he was laboring under more or less suppressed excitement. I am not surprised because he evidently realizes that matters are coming pretty near home.

I return to you the letter from Mr. Frazier.17 From other sources I have received similar information as to the feeling in France in regard to our relations with both sides. I presume we should expect that. It bears out, I think, what I said to you about our having no friends when this war is over unless we gradually favor one side or the other. I thank you for letting me see the letter.

Very sincerely yours,

Robert Lansing
  1. Not enclosed with file copy of this letter.