124.62/80: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Secretary of State
[Received November 29, 9.47 p.m.]
5487. In my opinion, with which other members of the Mission including Dresel agree, it is advisable that the commission to Germany should [not] start before the situation has cleared regarding the signing of the protocol. Dresel’s departure at present moment would probably be misconstrued by the Allies and give rise to unfavorable comment. It would look as if we were trying to play a lone hand. Everything should be avoided at this juncture which might give the Germans the slightest encouragement in their policy of driving a wedge between the Allies.
On this account, I have directed Dresel to defer his departure for some days at least, or until an agreement has been reached with the Germans. I shall be very glad to get approval of this course at the earliest possible moment. Polk.