Paris Peace Conf. 184.015/1
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: Dr. R. H. Lord, one of the American representatives on the Inter-Allied Commission to Poland, has presented a memorandum2 in which he states that in view of the importance of Russian affairs, it appears advisable to have observers sent to the Baltic provinces and Lithuania,—sections of Russia from which little valuable information is at present being received. Dr. Lord points out that in Esthonia, Lettonia, and Lithuania new national governments are in the process of formation and are seeking American assistance and recognition. These governments are struggling against Bolshevism and, according to some reports, against German intrigue.
The specific proposal which has been presented provides for one observer in Esthonia, and one in Lithuania.
Personally I am in accord with the proposal of Dr. Lord, which I submit to you for a decision. In case your answer is affirmative, an appropriation of fifteen thousand dollars from your fund would probably be necessary.
Faithfully yours,
- Not printed.↩