Edward M. House Papers
Colonel E. M. House to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Lansing: I came over here about ten days ago hoping to be able to finish up Mandate A. Lord Milner also came for the same purpose. After consultation we found that it would be impossible to [do] anything further with the mandates until the Turkish Treaty is formulated. The French contend that there will necessarily be several forms of mandate A, depending largely upon the character of the territory involved.
[Page 649]I wanted to return home on the Mauretania with Lord Grey but the President was insistent that I remain for the present. It is perfectly useless my being in Paris at this time. It is practically deserted as far as the directing powers of the governments are concerned. It will be necessary for Frank Polk or someone to remain until the Bulgarian and Hungarian Treaties are ready, but in my opinion, the Hotel Crillon and the entire staff, excepting what Polk needs, should be discontinued. If this is not done, we will be under the charge, and justly so, of undue extravagance. They will also charge that I and the other Commissioners are being kept here until the Treaty is ratified.
I have written and cabled to the President about this and I hope he will be convinced that I have summed up the situation as it is.
I have never seen such glorious weather as we are having. It is a perfect joy to be back in Paris after two months in England.
Sincerely yours,