File No. 763.72/6017

The Ambassador in France ( Sharp ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

2334. Having had an opportunity at a dinner given by Premier Ribot last night to the delegates to the conference which opened yesterday and to-day at a luncheon given by the President of the Republic to very much the same personnel, to hear something in a most natural way of the subjects discussed in the conference, what I learned may be said to confirm in a general way that which I stated in section 2 of my telegram of the 24th, No. 2321.

As pertaining to the Balkan situation I understand that England expressed its consistent opposition to the policy of maintaining the forces at Salonica stating that in addition to reasons heretofore existing the inability of Russia to cooperate with her forces in Mesopotamia made it all the more necessary for her not to divert her strength from military operations in that campaign. I heard that France and Italy still favor the consolidating the Salonica military operations. I do not, however, look for any friction growing out of these differences and would think that for the present at least there will be no change in reference thereto.

I learned that one of the most acrimonious discussions took place over the admission into the conference of Greece, Italy contending that the status of that country was such as not to entitle her properly to such recognition and that Greek delegates opposed this contention by stating Greece was now to all intents and purposes an Allied power and as such should be given without reserve the same consideration as was accorded to all the other Allies. Lloyd George addressing himself to Sonnino asked for a suspension of judgment until the case [adjusted?] and pointed out the urgent need for maintaining the best of feelings.

Servia and Roumania, and even Montenegro, were admitted into the conference, and Russia and Japan likewise participated. I am satisfied that good feeling will prevail throughout all the discussions, [Page 150] and a harmonious front will be presented at the conclusion of the work, which it is thought may be finished to-night though it may possibly extend over another day. There is expressed among all the delegates keen disappointment over the latest developments in Russia.

The magnitude of the loss in prisoners and cannon in engagement of the last two days has forced upon the minds of those present the belief that they cannot seriously count upon any helpful cooperation from Russia for some time.

After the President’s luncheon to-day both Mr. Ribot and Mr. Cambon expressed the earnest hope that I would attend the conference at 5 o’clock to-day, with the understanding that only the announcement of the conclusions of the conference—if they got that far—would be made. Although I have myself received no communication from the Department in reference to our Government’s attitude toward being represented at the conference, yet, in view of Mr. Jusserand’s telegram, which Mr. Cambon read to me, in which the President’s reasons were given for not accepting the invitation extended, and the wording used in a telegram sent by the War Department to General Pershing upon the same matter, I explained that my attendance, even under such circumstances, might be misunderstood; Mr. Cambon thereupon informed me that he would be pleased to communicate to me as soon as known the report of the conference. I expect to receive this information some time tomorrow and will cable its substance.

Later. The conference finished its labors to-night with everybody seemingly satisfied over the result of the deliberations. The question of permitting delegates to attend the Socialist convention at Stockholm was not determined. However, Le Temps of this evening announces there will be some sort of a Socialist conference in London, scheduled to take place on the 8th and 9th of next month, at which prominent Russian delegates representing the soldiers and workmen will be present. Speaking of this with Lloyd George tonight he said that he hoped if any representatives came over from the United States Mr. Gompers should by all means head such a delegation. He said in fact that he was not sure but what under present conditions such a meeting attended by Mr. Gompers in a representative capacity would be of very great good. I asked him if I might quote his words to my Government and he said to me that he would not be only willing to have this done but would be very glad if I should quote him to this effect. I have myself believed that the selection of Mr. Gompers on the commission to Petrograd might have been a wise one. Mr. Lloyd George said that the Socialist element in England led by Mr. Henderson is regarded as force quite different in character from the continental Socialists, and [Page 151] Mr. Balfour had previously spoken in the highest terms of Mr. Henderson’s personal character. However, I am quite sure that the sentiment of those attending the conference was not favorable to permitting Socialist representatives from their countries to attend the Stockholm convention.

Sharp