Edward M. House Papers: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Davis)
[Received 8:08 p.m.]
5882. For Colonel House’s information. Your telegram concerning Grey did not reach us until your letter enclosing a copy of it was handed to me.89 If Grey arrives with satisfactory powers on the questions you refer to, the greatest service would be rendered to the two countries. In any case, Grey will be heartily welcomed although the fact that Great Britain continues to send us special envoys instead of a permanent Ambassador is causing a great deal of unfavorable comment on this side. We should all be glad if Grey were able to remain.
I beg you to reconsider your plans. You will make a grave mistake by coming back before the Senate ratifies the Treaty. It would undoubtedly be construed as a breaking up of the American Mission and it would supply great capital. I hoped that you could return to Paris and participate in the work carried on there. You should, in any case, be in reach to cooperate with the Mission in every possible way. The situation here makes this vitally important. I expect that by the early part of October the treaty will be ratified.
Please acknowledge receipt of note from the President.