763.72119 P 43/1017: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Sharp ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:59 p.m.]
5968. Referring to the Department’s 34, November 13, 1 p.m. for Colonel House. I would say that I have been successful in getting prompt action by the French Government in the matter of requisitioning the Hotel Crillon for [special?] use of the American commissioners at the Peace Conference. Representations were made by Mr. Auchincloss to me that there was the greatest need for expedition in securing this property as certain arrangements affecting the hotel accommodations would necessarily have to be made prior to the actual coming over of the members of the commission. A representative of the American military governor of Paris called on me to inform me that the property would be turned over to those representing the commission on the 25th instant; just now, however, I am informed that the hotel will be formally requisitioned on the 23rd instant and representative of the Embassy is asked to be present. As to the terms of rental, duration of lease, etc., I asked Major Warburton, military attaché, to take up with the proper authorities the question of procedure in taking over the property and the estimate of the amount of rent, etc.; after seeing these authorities he has left a report with me, the substance of which is as follows: After the military governor of Paris has been notified that the property is desired for military purposes, it is thereupon requisitioned on the basis of the taxes paid upon the income derived from the property. A Military Board of Reviews examines the property and if there are any damages assesses value for same. The property is requisitioned by this board for only the time that it is actually needed and may be returned to the owners without any notice whatever. The rental assessed by the board is arbitrary and in the case of the United States Government it would be the same as that which the French or any other Government would have to pay. I shall appreciate any further instructions that the Department may desire to give in reference to the matter.