Paris Peace Conf. 184/241e: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Secretary of State
5517. Most urgent and confidential for the Secretary of State from Polk. In connection with the German refusal to deposit ratifications and sign protocol, Clemenceau made an earnest appeal to me today begging that we postpone our departure. He said not only would our departure encourage the Germans to stand out against the other powers, but it would be construed by the French as an abandonment of the French in their hour of need. He said that in his opinion it was one of the most serious crises that had confronted France and begged that we stay until Germany had deposited ratifications. I tried to reassure him and tried to point out that if the Ambassador were charged with the power he could act for the United States, but Clemenceau and the British both feel it would not be the same thing.
I have consulted my colleagues and we have come to the conclusion that there is a great deal of justice in the position the French have taken and that a delay of our departure of two or three days would impress the Germans with our intention to stand by our Allies and at the same time give us an opportunity for discussing and making up our minds what course should be pursued.
Clemenceau is most insistent that I should stay until ratifications deposited, but I believe that if General Bliss were charged with the duty of staying here until the Germans consented to sign the protocol the French people would be satisfied and the Germans would be impressed with our intention to support the Allies.
I can see that the Republicans might object to our remaining here to influence the Germans to accept a treaty which the Senate has refused [Page 684] to ratify, but in my opinion it should be put on the ground that we should stand with our Allies in compelling the enemy to carry out the Armistice terms if they refuse to put treaty in effect.
In view of the situation we have agreed to delay our departure until the 9th unless you see serious objection. I beg, however, that in view of the strong feeling on the part of the French we be permitted to remain until the 9th and that you give careful consideration to the advisability of requesting General Bliss to remain to represent this Government. He would have a sufficient staff with the men assigned to the Embassy to do all that is necessary for him. I will report fully tomorrow after a further conversation with Clemenceau. Polk.