Paris Peace Conf. 184.00101/118
Minutes of the Daily Meetings of the Commissioners Plenipotentiary, Monday, July 21, 1919
- Present:
- Mr. White
- General Bliss
- Mr. Harrison
I. The Commissioners desired to know what, if any, action had been taken with a view to the delivery of the President’s message to the Emir Faisal.14 The President’s Message to the Emir Faisal
II. The Commissioners took note of a telegram from Mr. Halstead dated July 19, 1919, regarding the coal situation in Central Europe.
The Commissioners thought it desirable that Mr. Hoover should be consulted in the matter and that it might be well to send a recommendation to the Department. Coal for Central Europe
III. The Commissioners took note of a telegram from Mr. Halstead requesting to be informed of their wishes as regards the new form of government to be set up in Hungary.
The Commissioners felt that Mr. Halstead should be instructed in a general way that the United States was not considering changes in the Hungarian Government. Changes in the Hungarian Government
IV. Memorandum No. 489 regarding the continuation of the New York and Paris Offices of the Committee on Public Information was read.
The Commissioners did not feel that they were empowered to authorize the Disbursing Officers in the State Department and here to continue the payment of the sums necessary for the maintenance of the New York and Paris offices. Consequently it would be desirable to refer the matter to the Department of State by telegraph. For their part, [Page 326] the Commissioners would be glad if the news service from the United States could be continued as they found it very valuable. On the other hand, they were uncertain as to the present necessity for maintaining the office in Paris in view of the departure of Mr. Sweetser and so many of the American Press Representatives, and the closing of the Press Room of the Commission. Continuation of the New York and Paris Offices of the Committee on Public Information
It was suggested that Mr. Suter15 be consulted in this regard and a memorandum be submitted by the Secretary General to them for their consideration.
V. The Commissioners approved the recommendation contained in Memorandum No. 490, regarding the appointment of Dr. Manley O. Hudson on the Commission on Ports, Waterways and Railways. Appointment of Dr. Manley O. Hudson on the Commission on Ports, Waterways and Railways
VI. The Commissioners approved the acceptance of the resignation of Mr. George Howe on the conditions as set forth by him in memorandum No. 491. In view of the fact that Mr. Howe would not return to Teschen, the Commissioners desired to learn from the Secretary General if it was necessary to send someone to take his place and whom the Secretary General would recommend for that purpose. Resignation of Mr. George Howe
VII. Memorandum No. 492 regarding the appointment of a successor to General Patrick was read. The Commissioners desired that the matter be purused, and in case General Patrick should have been appointed from Washington, that is to say, by the Secretary of War, they recommended that a telegram should be sent to the State Department advising them of the departure of General Patrick and suggesting that the Secretary of War appoint a suitable officer, not lower in rank than Colonel, to fill his place. The attention of the Secretary of War might also be called to the fact that Colonel Gorrell, U. S. A. seemed to be especially qualified for this duty as he had acted as assistant to General Patrick in connection with his duties on the Aeronautical Commission. Successor to General Patrick on the Aeronautical Commission