Office of the Historian

763.72Su/10½a,b

The Secretary of State to President Wilson

Washington, October 25, 1917 .

My Dear Mr. President: I have been thinking over further the matter of credentials for Colonel House and I have come to the conclusion that a simpler way than giving him a certified copy of the letter addressed to the French Ambassador here would be for you to give him a formal designation. I therefore enclose a letter which I would suggest be given him. In view of the regard for formality which prevails among European governments it might be well [Page 57] for me to countersign your letter and place upon it the seal of the Department.

If this course meets with your approval will you please sign the letter and return it to me for transmission to Colonel House—indicating whether or not you approve of the countersigning.

Faithfully yours,

Robert Lansing
[Enclosure]

Letter of Designation for Mr. Edward M. House

Washington, October 25, 1917 .

Sir: You are hereby designated to represent the Government of the United States at the Conference to be held by representatives of the Allied Governments in the early part of the month of November, 1917.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant

Woodrow Wilson

By the President:
Robert Lansing, [seal]
Secretary of State.