860j.01/85a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
3193. Strictly Confidential for Polk.
Senator Williams introduced resolution proposing to authorize the President to use American military forces to protect Armenians. Resolution referred to subcommittee. President is heartily in favor of this course provided it meets authorization of Congress. If French are sending sufficient number of troops, President is willing to defer to them, or if they will accept a joint military action he is willing to join the French. Under instructions from the President I today saw Senator Williams who does not hope that the dispatch of American troops can be realized because French are apparently willing to send troops and because the feeling in the Foreign Relations Committee is against sending American forces. He is therefore in favor of securing authorization to suspend restrictions against recruiting volunteers for foreign armies in the United States, at the same time securing authorization for the immediate dispatch of arms and ammunition to Armenia. The subcommittee will summon me in a few days to discuss the matter. I will therefore be glad to receive a reply to Department’s 3060 of September 8, 7 p.m.21
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