Paris Peace Conf. 184.00101/138
Minutes of the Daily Meetings of the Commissioners Plenipotentiary, Thursday, August 14, 1919
- Present:
- Mr. Polk
- Gen. Bliss
- Mr. Harrison
I. The Commissioners approved the proposed reply to be made to Mr. Thaw’s inquiry regarding the desirability of giving facilities to an American and a Swiss citizen for visiting German occupied territory submitted with Memorandum No. 542. Inspection of Chemical Plants in German Occupied Territory
II. The Commissioners approved Mr. Noyes’ request for the retention of Mr. Henry E. Mills, Jr., provided that Mr. Noyes will pay the salary and expenses of Mr. Mills out of the Rhineland Commission allotment as stated in Memorandum No. 543. Retention of Mr. Mills by Rhineland Commission
III. Memorandum No. 544 regarding a request from the American Minister at Warsaw that three Army Officers be assigned by the military authorities for the duties formerly undertaken by Captain Bassett in Posen was read.
In view of the nature of this work the Commissioners were of the opinion that this matter rested between the Legation at Warsaw, the State Department and the War Department. It was suggested that Mr. Gibson make a request for the assignment of additional representatives as attaches to his Legation for this intelligence duty. Assignment of Regular Military Officers To Carry on the Work Performed by Capt. Bassett in Posen
IV. Memorandum No. 545 regarding the designation of a successor to Col. Dillon on the Central Geographical Committee was read over.
The Commissioners requested that the Secretary General submit the name of a suitable appointee for their consideration. Appointment of Representative on Central Geographical Committee
V. Memorandum No. 546 suggesting the employment of Mr. A. L. Picard to assist in the work of an economic and financial nature called for by the Committee on Organization of the Reparation Commission, was read out.
Before expressing an opinion in the matter, Mr. Polk desired to confer with Mr. John Foster Dulles and Mr. Dresel. Additional Expert for Committee on Organization of Reparation Commission
[Page 386]VI. The Commissioners approved a draft telegram to be sent by Admiral Knapp to Admiral Bristol informing the latter of General Harbord’s mission and requesting him to advise American Officials in Turkey and Armenia and to instruct them to assist him by all means in their power. Notification to Admiral Bristol Regarding General Harbord’s Mission
VII. Memorandum No. 547 regarding the payment of expenses to be incurred by Colonel Masteller in the administration of his duties, namely, subsistence in Paris, clerical assistance and travelling expenses, was read. Expenses of Col. Kenneth C. Masteller
General Bliss observed that the duty of the Commission on which Colonel Masteller was to act as American representative was to draw up a plan for the co-operation of the Allied Armies in the work of clearing up munitions and war material left in the liberated regions and to submit the plan to the Supreme Council. It was not intended that the Commission should be in charge of doing the work of clearing up liberated regions.
The Commissioners were quite willing to furnish Colonel Masteller with living accommodations in the Hotel Crillon, but they were not prepared to defray the other expenses enumerated in the memorandum under consideration. General Bliss undertook to see Colonel Masteller and explain the matter to him.