862.01/23a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Special Representative ( House )

64. The President is impressed with the wisdom of a suggestion which has recently come to him from more than one quarter, namely that the German authorities be notified that there can be no official dealings with them on the part of the other powers in connection with the final settlements of the peace until a constituent assembly has been brought together and a definite form of government agreed upon and set up. Will you not be kind enough to bring this suggestion to the attention of the other great Powers and ask them if they would be willing to join the President in such a statement to the Germans? It seems to be the judgment of well informed persons that this would bring the uncertainties in Germany to a head and clear the way sooner than any other one influence.

Lansing