Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, The Paris Peace Conference, 1919, Volume XI

Edward M. House Papers: Telegram

The Commission to Negotiate Peace to President Wilson

Paris, March 4, 1919.

1. For the President from House.

1. We have not yet found a satisfactory way to make the League of Nations function as I suggested and nothing will be done until after your arrival. In the meantime we will try to shepherd the neutrals into the fold.

2. The situation in Germany, particularly in Bavaria, is extremely critical and I have tried to impress both the British and French with the necessity of getting food into these countries immediately. After a conference with Clemenceau and Balfour we agreed to bring the question of supplying Bohemia before the Council of Ten tomorrow. Clemenceau asked that he be given a short time to bring the French public to a realization of the importance of sending food into Germany, when he promises earnest cooperation with us in that direction.

3. Balfour and I also took up with Clemenceau the question of Luxemburg. He has agreed to withdraw the French troops stationed there and I shall confer with Pershing on Thursday as to whether American troops shall occupy it.

4. Everything has been speeded up and I feel confident that by the time of your arrival all questions will be ready for your approval.

5. Lloyd George is expected here tomorrow night.

Am[erican] Mission

Statement by President Wilson Upon the Adjournment of Congress, March 4, 1919²⁶

A group of men in the Senate have deliberately chosen to embarrass the administration of the government, to imperil the financial interests of the railways systems of the country, and to make arbitrary use of powers intended to be employed in the interests of the people.

It is plainly my present duty to attend the Peace Conference in Paris. It is also my duty to be in close contact with the public business during a session of the Congress. I must make my choice between these two duties, and I confidently hope that the people of the country will think that I am making the right choice. It is not in the interest of the right conduct of public affairs that I should call the Congress in special session while it is impossible for me to be in Washington, because of a more pressing duty elsewhere, to cooperate with the Houses.

I take it for granted that the men who have obstructed and prevented the passage of necessary legislation have taken all of this into consideration and are willing to assume the responsibility of the impaired efficiency of the government and the embarrassed finances of the country during the time of my enforced absence.

26. Reprinted from Official U. S. Bulletin, vol. 3, No. 552, March 4, 1919, p. 1.