File No. 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 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 16 and that his Government were most anxious that the United States should be represented at the conference.
[Page 223]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.
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Faithfully yours,