763.72/7096a
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: The French Ambassador called upon me this afternoon and said that his Government were greatly disturbed [Page 49] over the situation in Russia and that it was proposed to hold an Inter-Allied Conference in Paris as soon as possible to consider what means might be adopted to aid Russia and prevent further disintegration. He said that the date tentatively fixed for the meeting was October 16th and that his Government were most anxious that the United States should be represented at the Conference.
He said further that while he hesitated to speak there was a feeling in Paris that Colonel House would be most acceptable as our representative in order that all the phases of the situation could be fully discussed. I asked him if I should present this suggestion to you and he was doubtful about it as he feared you might not like such a suggestion. I replied to him that I was sure you would understand the hesitation which he felt in presenting it and would myself take the responsibility of submitting it to you.
I further told him that personally I did not think it was possible for Colonel House to go at this time but could not speak with any authority on the subject until I had communicated with you. I also said that I did not wish to commit myself in any way as to the United States being represented at the Conference, as it would be very difficult to find a man properly equipped for such a conference and that all I could do was to lay the matter before you. He said that he hoped, in any event, we could have someone present at the Conference even if that person did not take part as a member.
Personally I think something may be gained by a Conference of this sort as Great Britain, France, Italy and Russia will be represented in any event. We might have an “observer” present but where to find one in Europe at this time I am rather at a loss to say. The only man of real acuteness who understands the Russian situation among our diplomatic representatives seems to me to be Ira Nelson Morris, our Minister to Sweden.
I think this matter should be immediately decided as the situation in Russia is certainly critical and everything should be done that can be done to give stability to the Government there and possibly such a Conference as is suggested would be of material aid.
Faithfully yours,