Paris Peace Conf. 184.00101/57
Minutes of the Daily Meetings of the Commissioners Plenipotentiary, Thursday, April 24, 1919
- Present:
- Mr. Lansing
- Mr. White
- Mr. A. W. Dulles
1. Mr. White stated that in Mr. Lansing’s absence he had informed the Council of Five of Mr. Lansing’s conversation with Mr. Paderewski and Mr. Benes, and had conveyed to the Council the suggestion that these two gentlemen should be given an opportunity to come to some decision among themselves on the Teschen question. Mr. White added that Mr. Balfour had warmly supported this suggestion, which had been accepted by the Council. Regarding the Teschen Question
Mr. White stated that Mr. Paderewski had dined with him the night before, and had stated that Poland was looking to the United States for a financial advisor. Mr. White added that he had informed Mr. Paderewski that he was anxious at the number of French Generals which the Polish Government was bringing into Poland.
2. Discussing the threat of the Italians to leave the Conference, Mr. White stated that he had been informed that Mr. Salandra did not intend to leave. Mr. White stated that he had learned that Mr. Balfour was preparing a statement for Mr. Lloyd George, which, after a few kind words for the Italians, would support the American position. Mr. White added that he understood that M. Clemenceau and Mr. Lloyd George had both approved of the President’s statement regarding Italian claims. Mr. Lansing confirmed this, and agreed with Mr. White that it would be well to give an intimation of this nature to the Press. Regarding Italy Leaving the Conference
3. The telegram from the Department of State of April 22nd regarding Ambassador Page’s leave of absence was read. Mr. Lansing and Mr. White agreed that it would be unfortunate for Ambassador Page to be absent from Rome at the present moment, and desired that a telegram in that sense be sent to the Department of State. Leave of Absence for Ambassador Page
4. Mr. Grew’s inquiry regarding Mr. Wolfe’s visit to the German Chemical Works was read. Mr. Lansing stated that he had discussed the matter fully with Mr. Auchincloss, and suggested that Mr. Grew discuss the matter with the latter. Mr. Lansing added that he approved of Mr. Wolfe’s contemplated trip and of the arrangements which Mr. Auchincloss had indicated to him for this trip. Mr. Wolfe’s Visit to the German Chemical Works
5. The recommendation of Dr. John R. Mott and Dr. Charles R. Watson regarding measures to protect the interests, properties and activities of various missionary and educational societies of the United States and Canada was carefully considered. The formulas embodying the recommendations of these gentlemen were in general approved, and it was desired that Mr. Grew consult with Dr. Scott as to the manner in which they could best be dealt with, with a [Page 164] view to their possible incorporation into the Peace Treaties which were being drafted. Measures To Protect Interests, Properties and Activities of Various Missionary and Educational Societies
Mr. Lansing suggested that in addition to the provisions for the protection of missionary enterprises, it might be well to include a clause providing that none of the religious or eleemosynary institutions concerned should in any way interfere with the political life of the territory in which they were situated. Mr. Lansing added that he had discussed this whole question with Dr. Mott who had informed him that the guarantees were intended to apply to all religious enterprises—Jews, Moslems etc., as well as Christians. Mr. Lansing and Mr. White thought that it might be well to broaden the scope of the clauses prepared by Dr. Mott and Dr. Watson so as to include such countries as Roumania, Poland etc.
6. With reference to the memorandum regarding the supplying of clothing to the military forces of Southern Russia, the Commissioners desire that the matter be referred directly to General Bliss, who was dealing with matters of this nature. Both Mr. Lansing and Mr. White were inclined to question the right of the United States to make the sale in question. Supplies for Southern Russia
7. Memorandum No. 240 regarding the use of small Austrian vessels in the Adriatic by the Italian Government was discussed, and it was decided that in view of the technical nature of the question involved it should be referred to Mr. J. F. Dulles, Chairman of the Commission recently established to decide on the disposition of Austro-Hungarian vessels in the Adriatic. It was further suggested that Mr. Dulles discuss the matter with General Bliss as the question raised by Admiral Benson’s letter involved an interpretation of the terms of the armistice with Austria-Hungary. Use of Small Austrian Vessels in Adriatic by the Italians
8. Mr. Lansing and Mr. White desired that the memorandum from Dr. Lord and Mr. Morison containing recommendations for dealing with the situation in the Baltic provinces be referred to each one of the Commissioners, in order that each might have time for consideration of this problem which appeared to be one that required a detailed consideration. Situation in Baltic Provinces
9. Mr. Lansing read and initialed Mr. Whitehouse’s telegram regarding the so-called Shackleton concessions.
10. With reference to Prof. Lybyer’s letter regarding the proposed mission to Turkey, Mr. Lansing and Mr. White requested that a letter should be addressed to the Commission from the two representatives appointed by the President, namely, Mr. Crane and Dr. King and not by a possible member of their party. It was desired that Mr. Crane and Dr. King should themselves take the responsibility for the persons whom they might desire to take with them. Mission to Turkey