763.72/4377a
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: I enclose for your consideration a telegram which I think should be sent to Mr. Francis.18 I learned from the Russian Chargé that his Government had cabled him as to this matter, and that the belief that joint conferences were being held here without Russia being a party was causing suspicion and a measure of offense. This unfortunate and ill-founded attitude had been first aroused by the recent conference between the premiers of Great Britain, France and Italy, to which Russia was not invited.
It is my opinion that no time is to be lost in removing the false impression which has been created. I have already told the French Ambassador and Mr. Balfour of this situation and they will act at once.
Faithfully yours,
- The President replied: “I hope this admirable despatch will be sent at once.” For text of the telegram as sent, see ibid., p. 50.↩