Paris Peace Conf. 184.00101/91
Minutes of the Daily Meetings of the Commissioners Plenipotentiary, Wednesday, June 18, 1919
- Present:
- Mr. Lansing
- Mr. White
- Gen. Bliss
- Mr. Herter
1. Memorandum No. 375 was read with regard to certain expenses which had already been incurred by the American Representative of the Inter-Allied Trade Commission in Vienna. These expenses had been paid for from the allotment assigned to Prof. Coolidge for his Mission on the understanding that they would later be refunded by the War Trade Board. It having been found, however, that owing to difficulty of accounting, the War Trade Board was unable to reimburse the Mission for these funds, Mr. McCormick inquired whether the Commissioners would approve of having the Commission definitely bear this expense. The Commissioners agreed that, inasmuch as the funds had already been expended and would in any case, if returned after July 1st, 1919, be unavailable to the Commission, there would be no necessity of their being refunded by the War Trade Board. Expenses of Inter-Allied Trade Com. In Vienna
In regard to Mr. McCormick’s statement that he believed that it was important that the Military Detachment connected with the Inter-Allied Trade Commission at Vienna should continue its duties on the Austrian Frontier, the Commissioners agreed, provided this Detachment be withdrawn immediately upon the signature of Peace with Germany.
2. Mr. Herter read a telegram from the Department of State in regard to the application of passports for Paris made by Messrs. John A. Murphy and Lilburns Trigg. The Commissioners requested that this telegram be answered in a sense that they had no objection to these two gentlemen coming to Paris, and approved of letting them come if they so desired. Application for Passports for Messrs. Murphy & Trigg
3. Memorandum No. 37698a was submitted by Lieut. A. A. Berle, Jr., requesting that the Commissioners reconsider their previous decision [Page 239] whereby they did not approve of Lieut. Berle’s present release from the Commission. The Commissioners discussed this matter at some length, but felt that they could not approve of Lieut. Berle’s release at the present time, unless he could not be parsuaded to stay. They requested Mr. Herter to speak to Lieut. Berle and explain to him the reasons for which they desired to continue his services with the Commission, and report the result of this interview. Request of Lt. Berle for Release From Duties
4. Memorandum No. 377 was read respecting a telegram from the Department of State with regard to the retention of the services by the Department of Mr. Arthur Wood DuBois, fomerly on the Inter-Allied Commission for the control of Teschen. The Commissioners agreed that it would be well to continue the services of Mr. DuBois in German Austria, but that if he were employed in this capacity he would probably have to be subordinated to Mr. Halstead who has already replaced Prof. Coolidge. Retention of Services of Mr. DuBois
5. Mr. Herter took up again the question of the release of Dr. Day and Dr. Seymour from the Commission. The Commissioners on reconsidering this matter, felt it would be highly advisable to have these two gentlemen stay with the Commission if it were possible to persuade them to do so. They, therefore, requested that both Dr. Day and Dr. Seymour come if possible to the next meeting of the Commissioners to discuss with them the possibility of remaining with the Commission. Release of Drs. Day and Seymour