Office of the Historian

763.72119/7338: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

[Extract]
Washington, October 22, 1919, 7 p.m.

3528. Confidential, for Polk from Lansing.

Your 4737, October 19, midnight. I am uncertain as to exactly what has been agreed upon under the resolutions contained in the second and third paragraphs.

While this Government appreciates the suggestion that representatives of Powers who have not ratified the Treaty may be allowed to participate in the action of Commissions, or the League of Nations Council, it will not be possible for us to do so in view of the attitude of the Senate. At most, our representatives may sit as unofficial observers at the meetings of certain commissions in cases where such express authority is given by the Department. …

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Lansing