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

Paris Peace Conf. 184.00101/93

Minutes of the Daily Meetings of the Commissioners Plenipotentiary, Saturday, June 21, 1919

June 21, 1919

• Present:
  • Mr. Lansing
  • Mr. White
  • General Bliss

[1.] Mr. Herter read a memorandum from Mr. Grew in regard to a photograph of the Commissioners and the heads of Departments for the historical records of the Commission. The Commissioners decided that they would be glad to have their photographs taken with the heads of the Departments of the Commission on Monday, June 23, at 11 a.m., provided Mr. Grew could have the arrangements made for that date and time. Photograph of Commissioners and heads of Departments

2. The Commissioners considered very briefly the dissatisfaction of certain of the enlisted personnel now attached to the Commission. General Bliss suggested that, as of possible immediate assistance, it might be advisable to ascertain if there are any men belonging to the Guard Detachment, which is returning to the United States with the President, who would volunteer to work with the Commission for a short time longer. If any men volunteered, their places could be taken in the Guard Detachment by enlisted men on the Commission who have the most urgent reasons for returning. They therefore requested that Mr. Grew ascertain if this can be done at the earliest possible moment. Military Personnel for Further Duty With the Commission

3. Mr. Herter read a letter from the Japanese Secretary-General, in regard to securing accommodations on a United States transport for Japanese couriers immediately upon the signature of Peace. The Commissioners suggested that Mr. Grew communicate at once with the competent official in the S. O. S. forwarding to him a copy of the request from the Japanese Delegation and suggesting that, if he could comply with this request, the Commissioners would be very grateful and that the Commissioners likewise very much hope that he will be able to arrange it. The Commissioners also suggested that it would be well to send that official the name and address of the Japanese Secretary-General, so that he could communicate with him directly. Request for Transportation for Japanese Couriers

4. Memorandum No. 385 was read, with regard to payment of a certain salary to Dr. H. H. Field for the services which he rendered to the Commission from January 15th to May 1st. The Commissioners agreed that, in view of the many services rendered by Dr. Field, the recommended salary was really too small. They therefore suggested that he be paid at the rate of approximately $400.00 per month, or a lump sum of $1400.00. Salary of Dr. H. H. Field

5. Memorandum No. 386 was read, to which was appended a letter from Messrs. Walsh and Dunne, asking certain specific questions from the Commissioners as to what had been done in regard to Irish-American affairs. The Commissioners requested that Mr. Grew reply to those gentlemen, embodying approximately the following ideas: “As you have already been informed by the Secretary-General of the Commission, a copy of the Senate Resolution was forwarded to the President of the Peace Conference, Mr. Clemenceau, who alone is competent to bring this whole question to the attention of the Peace Conference. Beyond this neither the American Commission to Negotiate Peace as a Body nor any of its individual members can take any further steps in the premises.” Irish Question

6. Memorandum No. 387 was read, appending a letter from Messrs. Walsh and Dunne, together with copy of a letter which these two gentlemen had addressed to Mr. Lloyd George relative to the case of Countess Markievicz. The Commissioners felt that no reply was necessary. Letter From Messrs. Walsh and Dunne Regarding Letter to Mr. Lloyd George on Case of Countess Markievicz

7. Memorandum No. 388 was read, regarding a request made by Senator Hollis that Mr. Homer Johnson be excused from serving on the Poland Commission on account of his duties with the Liquidation Commission. The Commissioners noted in particular Senator Hollis’ statement to the effect “I feel that other men are available who will do the Polish job sufficiently well, but I am convinced that a new man could not come into the Liquidation Commission at the present time and do justice to its undertaking.” They requested that Mr. Grew write Senator Hollis and inquire from him whether he had in mind any other men who were available in Europe and who could do the Polish job sufficiently well, since they would be very glad to have suggestions of this nature. Personnel for Commission To Investigate Progroms in Poland

8. Memorandum No. 389 was read, signed by Professor Coolidge, Mr. Dulles and Dr. Seymour, suggesting that a Commission be appointed to study the question of altering the Austrian-Hungarian boundary in favor of German-Austria. The Commissioners requested that this whole matter be embodied in a letter to the President for their signature, attaching a memorandum giving the facts in the case, but that this letter indicate that the suggestion for the establishment of such a Commission comes from them rather than from Messrs. Coolidge, Dulles and Seymour. They felt that in this way perhaps the recommendation would carry more weight. Commission To Study Question of Altering the Austrian-Hungarian Boundary

9. Memorandum No. 390, regarding the release of Captain Stuart Montgomery from further duty with the Commission, was read and approved. Release of Captain Montgomery