Paris Peace Conf. 860c.20/1: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
212. Please refer to following statement in your 81, January 3rd:
“In view of the fact that the Poles are apparently beginning hostilities against the friendly nations, the Secretary (of War) believes the time has now come to refuse to permit any further enlistment in this country for foreign governments etc.”
The Commission’s information relative to the foregoing indicates no hostilities have been in progress between Poles and Czecho-Slovaks, the only neighboring nation that might be described as friendly. Lithuanian Forces in Eastern Galicia appear to have started fighting. These forces aided by German and Austrians are scarcely to be termed the Army of a friendly nation. The only other neighboring peoples with whom Poles have been fighting are Germans and Bolsheviks.
Before taking up matter with President as requested in your 81, Commission desires to be informed full details regarding nature of Secretary of War’s information that Poles are “Apparently beginning hostilities against friendly nations” and also source of the reports.