Paris Peace Conf. 184.00101/60
Minutes of the Daily Meetings of the Commissioners Plenipotentiary, Tuesday, April 29, 1919
- Present:
- Mr. Lansing
- Mr. White
- General Bliss
- Mr. A. W. Dulles
1. The Commissioners discussed the Shantung question, and General Bliss explained his views and read a portion of a memorandum which he had received from Mr. Williams. Mr. Lansing suggested that General Bliss send to the President immediately a memorandum which should [Page 169] express his views, as well as those of Mr. Lansing and Mr. White regarding the Japanese claims. Shantung Question
Mr. White referred to a conversation which he had had with Mr. Balfour, in which the latter said that he was the victim of a misunderstanding, as he had received the impression that the Council of Four desired him to discuss the question with the Japanese representatives, whereas it appeared that it was Mr. Lansing who had taken up the matter. Mr. Balfour added that he was in a sense the victim of the method of procedure of the Council of Four.
2. General Bliss read excerpts from an alleged secret Treaty between Japan, Russia and Germany. Secret Treaty Between Japan, Russia and Germany
3. General Bliss stated that he had arranged with General Nolan to send information bearing on Germany’s attitude toward the Peace Negotiations to the Commissioners. Major Tyler would receive General Nolan’s reports and could submit them to the Commissioners through Mr. Grew. Information Bearing on Germany’s Attitude Toward the Peace Negotiations
4. Mr. Lansing stated that the reason for the postponement of the consideration by the Plenary Session of the question of responsibilities was that General Botha objected to the report as submitted. The Commissioners remarked on the apparent discomfiture of the French and British at the publication of the report of this Commission. Postponement Question of Responsibility
5. Mr. Lansing, Mr. White and General Bliss approved and signed the draft of a letter to the President regarding the advisability of summoning Austrian representatives to Paris at an early date. Mr. Dulles was requested to submit the letter to Colonel House for his signature if he approved, before sending it to the President. Summoning Austrian Representatives to Paris
6. Memorandum No. 252 regarding the reported despatch of Italian troops to Fiume was read. General Bliss remarked that this had already been brought to his attention. General Bliss withdrew. Italian Troops to Fiume
7. Mr. Lansing and Mr. White approved recommendations 2 and 3 of Memorandum No. 253 regarding personnel and equipment for the Mission of Mr. Pierrepont B. Noyes of the “Rhineland Commission”. It was desired that Mr. Grew write the competent American military authorities to ascertain whether the personnel and automobile could be assigned to Mr. Noyes for his work. Mr. Lansing and Mr. White did not understand why it would be necessary to grant $10,000 to Mr. Noyes for his Mission which was only to last until the signature of Peace. Before passing upon this request, they desired a more detailed statement of the reasons for such a large appropriation for such a small Mission. Personnel and Equipment Rhineland Commission
[Page 170]8. With reference to Memorandum No. 254 regarding the Inter-Allied Commission on Mandates in Turkey. Mr. Lansing and Mr. White agreed in the propriety of offering Mr. King a salary at the rate of $8,000 per year for the period during which he might serve as head of this Mission. With regard to the sending of an American ship to take the Inter-Allied Commission: It was desired that Mr. Grew inquire of Admiral Benson whether such a ship could be assigned, and the conditions under which the assignment might be made, before finally passing upon this question. As regards funds to defray the expenses of the Commission to Turkey, Mr. Lansing was of the opinion that it would be impossible to judge what amount might be necessary. Mr. White approved a suggestion that $10,000 should be appropriated to start the Commission, with the understanding that a further appropriation might be granted in case the first grant proved insufficient. Inter-Allied Commission on Mandates to Turkey
9. With reference to Memorandum No. 251 regarding the sending of an American Commissioner to Constantinople to act in Mr. Heck’s absence, Mr. White stated that he had talked the matter over with Mr. Heck, who was of the opinion that Admiral Bristol was both competent to perform the duties of American Commissioner, and would also be pleased at receiving the opportunity to act in this capacity. It was suggested therefore that Mr. Grew write to Admiral Benson inquiring from him whether it would be possible for Admiral Bristol to take over temporarily the duties which Mr. Heck had been performing, and send reports to the Commission and to the Department of State in regard to political matters affecting Constantinople. American Commissioner to Turkey (Temporarily)
Mr. Heck entered the meeting and stated that as long as Dr. Montgomery was proceeding to Turkey with the King-Crane Mission it would not be necessary to give him a special appointment.
10. Memorandum No. 255 quoting a telegram from Mr. Dresel regarding the German attitude towards his Mission was read. Mr. Lansing was of the opinion that no action was necessary on this telegram. Statement From Mr. Dresel Regarding Germany’s Attitude
11. Dr. Lord entered and reported in regard to the German coup d’état in Latvia., Dr. Lord was instructed to write a letter to the Commissioners containing his recommendations in regard to measures to restore the Letton government, and also to consult with Dr. Scott and draft Treaty clauses providing for German military evacuation of the Baltic province.