File No. 763.72119/1166

The Assistant Secretary of State ( Phillips ) to the French Ambassador ( Jusserand )

My Dear Mr. Ambassador: Referring to the inquiry which Mr. Sartiges of your Embassy telephoned to my office a few days ago, regarding the interpretation of item number 10 in the peace program outlined by the President in his address to Congress on January 8, I hasten to confirm the telephone message with Mr. Sartiges this morning to the effect that the President has replied to an inquiry submitted to him that the statement meant “that we wish the place of the peoples of Austria-Hungary safeguarded and assured.”

I am [etc.]

William Phillips