Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1920, Volume II

462.00 R 29/202: Telegram

The Ambassador in France ( Wallace ) to the Secretary of State

Paris , May 5, 1920—noon .
[Received 9:15 p.m.]

1094. B–64 to Davis. Your 778 Treasury B–10 supplementing my B–16.⁵⁸

1st. After canvassing whole matter with Logan, have decided, for the present at least, not to go to Astoria if I can make arrangement with Commission by which they allow me amount equivalent to rent of space reserved for us at Astoria. They will probably be glad make this arrangement as other delegations at Astoria are crowded. Remaining outside peculiar and fits better with theory of unofficial representation though this not very important. Real reason is independent quarters relieve us of some work and of many time-consuming interruptions, inevitable if we were in the same building, also Logan’s special work and organization cannot easily be transferred to Astoria and undesirable we should separate.

2d. Foregoing decision assumes that we are able to make arrangements with landlord here so that we assume no obligations except for space we occupy and are free to move after reasonable notice and that as rent does not substantially exceed rent allowance made by Commission, these conditions seem feasible.

3d. Certain Americans are direct employees of Commission and can not properly be regarded as part of our delegation. They would hold their jobs even if we should withdraw our unofficial representation. Their obligation is now direct to the Commission and not to us and we do not have to take their salaries into account though of course our relation to them is such that we can always utilize their knowledge and advice.

4. Theory of unofficial representation probably requires that certain Americans should not receive pay from Reparation Commission. My judgment is this restriction very limited. Should be confined to our voting representatives, myself, Logan, and Smith,⁵⁹ who is our unofficial representative on Austrian Section. There is no reason why Reparation Commission should not be allowed to pay any other expenses so far as we can make arrangements with Commission to do so. Even though our status is unofficial we are actually helping Commission do its work, our help is well worth the money they will pay, and, in fact, will probably be on much lower basis than other delegations and the payment will not jeopardize in the least our unofficial status. I am going ahead now to make this arrangement with Commission probably on a lump sum basis, to be applied at our discretion subject of course to your vote [veto?].

5. Some items of expense will not be covered by foregoing arrangement but it should reduce our operating expenses very materially.

6. Under arrangement I propose certain men besides those mentioned paragraph 3d would be paid direct by Commission, for instance Bayne and Taylor if he comes. Probably expense allowances to men detailed by Army and Navy for service with us for example Rhea,⁵⁷ Winship⁵⁸ should be paid by us out of sum allowed us by Commission. These men receive their regular pay and are not allowed to receive anything more except these expense allowances. Foregoing does not include my personal expenses about which there is no hurry and which I will arrange direct with you later, also does not cover Logan’s who has arranged otherwise.

7. Thanks for your promptness in arranging for my financial relief. On assumption foregoing is satisfactory to all parties, do not need more funds at moment.

My purpose this cable present a simple comprehensive scheme adaptable to future changes and correct in principle. This fits with Rathbone’s ideas and I have now been here long enough to feel safe about it. Please advise promptly. Boyden.

Wallace

58. Neither printed.
59. Maj. C. H. Smith, American unofficial representative on the Austrian section of the Reparation Commission.
57. J. G. Rhea, general secretary of the American unofficial representation on the Reparation Commission.
58. Blanton Winship, American unofficial representative on the Restitution and Reparation in Kind section of the Reparation Commission.