763.72119 P 43/923: Telegram
The Special Representative ( House ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18—2:55 p.m.]
118. Secret for Polk only. From Auchincloss. It is most difficult to advise Grew with reference to organization of our work unless you keep us confidentially and promptly advised respecting what plans are being made in Washington for handling particular branches of work of Peace Conference. You [We?] were instructed indirectly yesterday that the Committee on Public Information planned to do [Page 198] work on a large scale in Paris. Please explain to me as fully as possible what their plans are. I drew up our 993 before you had advised us that Grew was to act as Secretary of the Commission. Grew is at present in bed with a mild attack of influenza. Unless you wish us to wait until he personally recovers I will go ahead with the plan outlined in our 99. Can you tell me now whether the heads of such organizations as the “War Industries Board,” “War Trade Board,” “Fuel Administration,” “Alien Property Custodian,” et cetera, are to be present at the Peace Conference and if not who is going to represent these bodies for purposes of consultation. Please advise me the date when it is planned that American staff for the Peace Conference will arrive. Please give names of principals when possible. You cabled that Miller was sailing on the third but he has not arrived. When is he coming? I should greatly appreciate your private advice on the above points at the earliest possible moment.