Edward M. House Papers: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to President Wilson
[Paris,] February 26, 1919.
For President from House.
- 1.
- George is desirous of arranging his engagements so that he can be in Paris at a time most advantageous from your standpoint. He can either come the later part of this week and remain here for about a week or can be here on about March 14th and remain here for approximately ten days. His Labor Committee is expected to report on March 20th but he can probably put off receiving this report for five or six days at the most provided he is engaged in Conference in Paris during that time. I suggest that you authorize me to express to him your hope that he arrive on March 14th and stay as long as practicable. Please cable me as soon as possible respecting this matter.
- 2.
- Last Monday night Pichon and Klotz called on me. They were very much disturbed over the French financial situation and stated that unless England furnished France with some sterling exchange almost immediately there would be a serious break in the price of the French franc with disastrous results. They stated that the British Chancellor of the Exchequer would come to Paris if he could see me [Page 517] for a conference respecting this matter. I agreed to see him at any time he came. On Thursday at noon Klotz, Tardieu and other French Treasury officials called on me and asked me to intervene at once with England so that France would be furnished immediately with a few million pounds of sterling exchange to tide them over until the Chancellor of the Exchequer could come to Paris for conference. I promised to do what I could. I at once took steps to point out Lloyd George the unfortunate effect which would be caused by French financial difficulties at this time and I urged that some sterling exchange be given the French to tide them over their difficulties. George directed that this be done. Klotz expressed deep gratification of French Cabinet for this assistance. British Chancellor of the Exchequer will come to Paris early next week for conference.
- 3.
- Tardieu has submitted memorandum on French position respecting left bank of Rhine. I will cable you about this fully when I have had an opportunity of studying it.
Am[erican] Mission