763.72Su/10½
The Secretary of State to the French Ambassador (Jusserand)
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I am sending you today the formal acceptance of the President to be represented in the approaching [Page 56] Allied Conference and designating Colonel House as his representative. I know you will appreciate the wisdom of advising your Government that until the safe arrival of the Colonel and his party in Europe this Government considers it unwise to make any announcement on the subject, as it would be a strong incentive to submarine attack. Indeed out of abundance of caution it would be well I think not to discuss the subject with the representatives of the Allies in Washington.
I wish to express to you my personal appreciation of the honor done me by your Government in suggesting me as the representative of this Government, and I hope that you will express the regret which I feel in not being able to leave my Department at this time to participate in so important a conference as this one will be.
May I ask whether the Japanese Government is to be represented? My own view is that it should be.
I am [etc.]