763.72119 P 43/905: Telegram
The Special Representative ( House ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 11—6:57 p.m.]
93. Though the decision to hold the Peace Conference in Paris has not as yet been formally taken by the Allies and the United States I feel sure that this will be done within next few days. The British Government has sent representatives to Paris who have conferred with me and who have advised me that they are planning to request the French Government to requisition for the use of the British representatives at the Peace Conference the Hotel Majestic or the Hotel Astoria and perhaps both. I would very much prefer that all of the negotiations for the acquisition of headquarters for the American representatives should be conducted by Ambassador Sharp with the assistance of the American military authorities now in Paris who have already had experience in dealing with the French authorities in the matter of requisitioning accommodations for the use of the War Department in Paris. Various plans for the accommodation of the American representatives have been proposed to me and at the present time I am inclined to think that the best suggestion that has been made is for you through Ambassador Sharp to request the French authorities to requisition for the use of the American representatives at the Peace Conference the Hotel de Crillon, together with a very much smaller hotel on the Boissy d’Anglas in the near vicinity of the Crillon.
The Crillon has accommodations for approximately 100 guests. I should estimate that the American representation including high military officials would amount to at least this number. The operation of the hotel should be placed entirely in the hands of citizens of the United States. This can easily be arranged. The smaller hotel near the Crillon could be fitted up as offices. It [I?] would also suggest that you instruct Ambassador Sharp to discuss with the French Government the acquisition of suitable accommodations for the President. I have [in] mind certain residences which may be suitable in the near vicinity of the Crillon.
I suggest that the staff of the “Inquiry” be instructed to report at once when it would be practical for them to sail for France. At the present time it seems clear to me that we should try to establish our organization in working order in Paris as near to December 1st as possible though in all probability the actual Peace Conference will not be called before December 16th because it is unnecessary and I believe inadvisable to send to Europe for the Conference either stenographers, code clerks, or any other kind of clerical assistance. Very efficient men can be obtained to do this work for [from?] the army and naval forces now in Europe. I should appreciate an [Page 123] expression of your views and a statement of what action you propose to take. I have handed a copy of this cable to Ambassador Sharp.