763.72119/5839
HD–3
Notes of a Meeting of the Heads of Delegations of the Five Great
Powers Held in M. Pichon’s Room at the Quai d’Orsay, Paris, on
Wednesday, July 9, 1919, at 3:30 p.m.
Paris, July 9, 1919, 3:30 p.m.
- Present
- America, United States of
- British Empire
- The Rt. Hon. A. J. Balfour.
- France
- Italy
- Japan
- Secretaries
- Mr. L. Harrison.
- Mr. H. Norman.
- M. Paterno.
- M. Ashida.
Joint Secretariat |
America, United States of |
Lieut. Burden. |
British Empire |
Capt. E. Abraham. |
France |
Capt. A. Portier. |
Italy |
Lieut. Zanchi. |
Interpreter—Prof. P. J.
Mantoux. |
1. For Great Britain, General Watts was appointed.
Appointment of Inter-Allied Commission To Enquire Into
Incidents at Fiume
M. Crespi said that he could not at present
nominate an Italian officer. He thought that there would be an officer
on the spot and it was agreed that he should join his colleagues at
Fiume and be sent the same instructions as were given to them.
(It was agreed that the officers nominated should attend the Council the
following day at 3.30 p.m. to receive their instructions. As it was not
possible for General Watts to be present, it was agreed that General
Thwaites1 should attend
to receive instructions in his stead. It was also agreed that General
Cavallero2 should
attend to receive instructions in place of the Italian officer to be
nominated.)
2. M. Clemenceau asked if any of his colleagues
had any news from Italy.
Situation in Italy
Mr. Balfour said he had nothing save what he
had shown the Chairman on the previous day. Though
[Page 59]
there was a British Admiral and a British
colonel commanding a battalion in Fiume, he had received no news from
them. He had telephoned to London, asking for more news to be sent
him.
M. Crespi said that he had received a despatch
from M. Nitti and one from Fiume. It appeared from these despatches that
no incidents had occurred since Sunday. In any case, the Italian
Government was determined to maintain order.
M. Clemenceau said that the French Military
Attaché in Rome again reported the words of General Albricci, to which
he had previously alluded. The French Ambassador was also of the opinion
that an attempt was being made to influence the Conference.
M. Crespi said that he was quite sure this was
a complete misunderstanding.
3. M. Crespi said that he was not able to reply
at once to the document handed to him by M. Clemenceau on the previous
day.3 He would, however, furnish a
reply at the next meeting. Stoppage of Trains at
Modane
4. Mr. Lansing said that, before taking up the
subjects on the Agenda, he wished to draw attention to a despatch
(Appendix “A”) he had received two days previously from Warsaw. It was
to the affect that the retiring German troops were removing horses,
cattle, agricultural implements and everything necessary for the
cultivation of the next harvest. This might be the act of irresponsible
soldiery, but it was necessary to put a stop to it. Acting of German Troops Withdrawing From the East
M. Clemenceau proposed that M. Dutasta4 should proceed at once to the Germans at
Versailles and make a formal complaint to them on behalf of the
Council.
(This was agreed to.)
5. (On Mr. Balfour’s proposal, it was agreed to
summon the Bulgarian Government to send a Delegation to Paris to receive
the Peace Terms. The Secretary-General was asked to take the necessary
steps.)Treaty of Peace With Bulgaria: Summoning
of Bulgarian Delegation to Paris
6. Mr. Lansing proposed that this question
should be taken up before the first question on the Agenda. He thought
the two questions were connected and that the means of action should be
determined before addressing any communication to Bela Kun. Military Means To Oblige the Hungarians To Respect the
Armistice
(At this stage, the Military Representatives of the Supreme War Council
at Versailles and General Thwaites entered the room.)
[Page 60]
General Bliss was asked to make a statement and
said that all that was necessary was mentioned in the report. (Appendix
“B.”)
The report was then read by M. Mantoux.
Mr. Balfour said that he did not doubt that the
appreciation of the Military Representatives was accurate. If the Allied
Powers, France, Great Britain, Italy, Roumania, Czecho-Slovakia and
Serbia, were too weak to deal with one recalcitrant power, the position
was one of great humiliation. That, perhaps, did not matter much, but
Bela Kun was turning Hungary into a military stronghold of revolution.
Buda-Pest had become an armed camp and all the factories were making
munitions. Propaganda was being carried on in the most dangerous fashion
in the neighbouring countries. If the Allies must sit still and see the
Armistice broken before their eyes, they were bound to lose prestige.
Central Europe was likely to lose more than prestige. The Bulgarians had
just been summoned to Paris to hear the Peace Terms. Was it likely that
they would obey if they saw that the Allies could not even coerce a
fragment of the late Austro-Hungarian monarchy? The Bulgarians were only
half disarmed and would feel that they could defy the Conference. The
situation in Central Europe was both difficult and critical. The wave of
disturbance might go west as well as east. The situation would, he
thought, grow more critical if it were manifest that the Conference
could not control a small and defeated nation, which was not only
breaking the terms of the Armistice, but, in alliance with the Russian
Soviet Government, attempting to cause general revolution. He did not
favour wild military adventures, but he did not like a confession of
impotence.
Mr. Lansing said that he had nothing to add to
what Mr. Balfour had said. He thought Allied prestige should be
maintained. Bolshevism would spread to Austria, if it appeared to be
successful in Hungary. He wondered whether the contribution suggested
for Serbia in the report of the Military Representatives was not
underestimated. He was not aware that Serbia was fighting or anticipated
fighting on any other front. He therefore suggested that the Military
Representatives should get into touch with the authorities of
Czecho-Slovakia, Serbia and Roumania, in order to find out what these
States could do to help.
M. Clemenceau said that he must remind Mr.
Balfour and Mr. Lansing that there were neither British nor American
troops at hand. The French had two divisions, but other help would be
required. He suggested that the Military Representatives, after
conferring as suggested by Mr. Lansing, should return, together with
Marshal Foch, and tell the Council what results they had obtained. He
felt sure that Marshal Foch would ask for British and American
troops.
[Page 61]
Mr. Balfour said it would be necessary for him
to summon Sir Henry Wilson.6 Only the British Cabinet could decide whether any
British troops were to be employed. He would ask Sir Henry Wilson to
consult the Cabinet before fining over to Paris, in order that he might
be in a position to state what could be done.
General Bliss observed that it would not be of
much use for the Military Representatives to consult the Czech, Serbian
and Roumanian military authorities as to the number of troops at their
disposal, unless there were means of knowing whether their Governments
would consent to give troops for this purpose or not.
Mr. Lansing said that, perhaps, the best course
would be to confer with the heads of the Czecho-Slovak, Yugo-Slav and
Roumanian Delegations in Paris.
(It was then agreed that the Heads of the Czecho-Slovak, Yugo-Slav and
Roumanian Delegations be invited to attend the Council on Friday, 11th
July, and that Marshal Foch and Sir Henry Wilson be also asked to be
present, in order to discuss the possibility of military action against
Hungary.)
(At this stage, the Military Representatives of the Supreme War Council
at Versailles and General Thwaites withdrew.)
7. The Council had before them the following documents:—
- 1.
- A Report of the Financial Commission. Sale
of Securities by Government of Bela Kun
- 2.
- A draft Joint Note of the Principal Allied and Associated
Powers to the Allied, Associated and Neutral Powers and to the
Government of the German Empire and of Austria.
- 3.
- A draft Joint Note of the Governments of the Allied and
Associated Powers to Bela Kun.
- 4.
- A draft communication to the Press.
(All these documents are contained in Appendix “C”.)
Mr. Lansing thought that the result of the
previous discussion showed that no action could usefully be taken at
present.
Mr. Balfour thought that there could be no harm
in telling Bela Kun, on behalf of the Conference, that he was considered
to be a thief. He might take no notice of it and put the communication
in the waste paper basket, but it could do him no harm. He thought Bela
Kun should be warned that his right to steal funds for his own political
purposes was not recognised. He did not think that the letters drafted
were very suitably worded, but, in substance, he thought they might be
adopted.
Mr. Lansing said that his objection referred
specially to the note addressed to Bela Kun. He did not like threats
which could not be followed by action. He thought the less the
Conference had to do
[Page 62]
with him
the better, and the less he was regarded as a power the better. The
letter addressed to other Governments and that addressed to the Press,
he did not object to. He thought they would produce the desired effect
without adirect threat to Bela Kun. He also pointed out that the
expressions “bolshevik” and “communist” should be expunged from these
letters.
Mr. Balfour said that he would not object to
the omission of the document addressed to Bela Kun, which he admitted
was not likely to have much effect on him.
M. Crespi said that the question had been
closely examined in the Commission. It had been recognized that the
letter addressed to Bela Kun would not produce much effect, but it was
necessary, before taking action in Allied countries regarding the sales
of securities, to furnish such action with a legal ground. The only
legal ground in this instance could be an official protest against the
anticipated action of the Hungarians. The letter was therefore proposed
for its legal rather than for its political effect.
Mr. Lansing said that he could not agree with
this point of view. A lawless government, unrecognized by any other
government, had no legal standing at all. He thought the Allies would
have as strong a legal position whether they informed an outlaw that he
was doing wrong or whether they addressed no remonstrances to him at
all.
M. Crespi then suggested that the three letters
should be sent back to the Commission to be re-drafted in such a manner
as to contain a clear declaration that the Allied Powers defined Bela
Kun’s proceedings as thefts. The drafting would be done in accordance
with the views expressed by Mr. Balfour and Mr. Lansing.
(This was agreed to, and M. Crespi undertook to obtain a re-draft by the
Financial Commission.)
8. (At this point, M. Tardieu, Mr. Nicolson, and Mr. Leeper and M.
Vannutelli-Rey entered the room.7
Frontiers Between the Ser-Croat-Slovene States and
Hungary The Council had before them the recommendations of the
Yugo-Slav Committee (Appendix D). These and Hungary recommendations were
adopted.
(The Experts then withdrew.)
9. Mr. Lansing said that he was unable to act
on this subject. He must take the Convention to Washington. The Economic
side of the question had not been discussed in America. He suggested
that as the matter did not really concern the Peace Conference it might
be carried through by ordinary diplomatic methods. Approval of Air Convention
[Page 63]
After some further discussion Mr. Lansing agreed that the Convention
might be discussed inasmuch as it concerned European Powers—American
adhesion being reserved.
(It was decided that the subject be put on the Agenda for the following
day on this understanding.)
10. (At this point the Military Representatives entered the room.)
Repatriation of Czech-Slovak Forces From Siberia
General Bliss said that a short time ago the
Council of Four had sent to the Military Representatives at Versailles a
of project of Mr. Winston Churchill’s8 for repatriating the Czecho-Slovak troops
in Siberia.9 These troops numbered some
60,000 men. The proposal combined the repatriation of these troops with
a movement regarded as useful to the Allied cause. One group of 30,000
men at present in the neighbourhood of Omsk was to operate on Koltchak’s
right flank and to gain contact with the North Russian forces, and thus
to reach Archangel. The other portion was to be repatriated by sea in
American ships from Vladivostok. The Military Representatives were asked
to examine this proposal together with Czecho-Slovak authorities. He,
himself had an interview with M. Benes—as a consequence of which M.
Benes had attended a meeting at Versailles. Before agreeing to the
movement of Czecho-Slovak troops to Archangel, M. Benes wished to know
whether Allied troops would remain in Northern Russia or whether they
would be removed before winter, irrespective of the arrival of the
Czechs in time for shipment from Archangel before the port was icebound.
Thus the matter could not be proceeded with until it was known whether
or not the Allied forces in North Russia would await the arrival of the
Czecho-Slovaks. He had written a letter to that effect which hitherto
had remained unanswered.
Mr. Balfour said that at the time of Mr.
Winston Churchill’s proposal there had been, he understood, a fair
prospect of a junction of the Czecho-Slovak forces with the Inter-Allied
troops in North Russia. Since Koltchak’s reverses this junction appeared
less probable; in fact there now seemed to be little chance for the
Czecho-Slovaks of reaching the White Sea before the ice set in. The
question for them, therefore, was whether the Allied troops would wait
for them. He was informed that the British Government meant to withdraw
its troops before the winter. If the Czechs therefore were unable to
reach Archangel before November, he could not promise that they would
find British troops awaiting them. He believed that the same applied to
the other Allied contingents in North Russia. If this was so it appeared
to follow that all the Czech troops must be repatriated from
Vladivostok.
[Page 64]
The result of this
would be that part of the Siberian Railway would be deprived of the
troops guarding it and Koltchak would have to fill the gap. Therefore,
the only point to be dealt with immediately was the question whether
Allied troops would stay in North Russia through the winter. As far as
Great Britain was concerned, the answer was “No”.
M. Pichon said that the French Government also
meant to recall the French troops from Archangel. He pointed out that
the withdrawal of the Czecho-Slovaks had a very serious result on the
whole situation in Siberia.
General Beun stated that these troops were
guarding 1300 kilometres of railway. If withdrawn they must be replaced.
It appeared that Japan and the United States must be called upon to fill
the gap. The Czechs were at present along the central portion of the
line. The Japanese and American troops lay to the east of them. As the
Czechs were moved towards Vladivostok the American and Japanese might
move westward into their place. There were at the present time 5,000
Czechs in Vladivostok. Their immediate shipment would give some
satisfaction to opinion in Czecho-Slovakia.
M. Crespi said that Italian action would be in
conformity with French and British action.
M. Matsui said that Mr. Churchill had enquired
some time ago whether Japanese troops could replace the Czecho-Slovaks
on the Siberian Railway. He was now informed that it was the question of
finding troops to guard 1300 kilometres. The Japanese General had not
felt authorized to reply without consulting his Government. He doubted
whether there were enough Japanese troops in Siberia to undertake so
large a task. If more were required he was not at present able to say
what view the Japanese Government would take. He had already telegraphed
to his Government on the subject and would do so again.
Mr. Lansing said that the problem now before
the Council appeared to be a military one with which he could not deal.
The political question was whether the Czecho-Slovaks should be
evacuated from Siberia. The answer to this was in the affirmative,
provided it were militarily possible.
M. Pichon said it would be possible if the
Americans would send a few troops to reinforce the Japanese.
General Bliss said he thought this could not be
done. American troops had been sent to Siberia to help the
Czecho-Slovaks to leave it. Once the Czecho-Slovaks had left there would
be no pretext to justify the retention of American troops in the
country.
M. Pichon said that if the United States would
not take on the task it remained for the Japanese to do so; otherwise
the whole country would become a prey to Bolshevism.
[Page 65]
M. Matsui said that he was not in a position to
state whether the Japanese Government would undertake so much. He would
consult it and say that the Conference desired that Japan should be
responsible for the guarding of the Siberian Railway.
Mr. Balfour said that the question now being
discussed was not the one on the Agenda. Without knowing how much the
American and Japanese Governments were prepared to do it was difficult
to see any solution to the military difficulty which had been
raised.
Mr. Lansing said that the question on the
Agenda was whether the Czechs could be shipped from Archangel. The
answer to this was in the negative. They must, therefore, be shipped
from Vladivostok.
M. Clemenceau said that as Mr. Lansing
expressed no hope of American assistance it was desirable to know
whether the Conference wished to invite Japan to undertake the defence
of the Siberian Railway.
Mr. Lansing said that before giving a final
answer he would like to consult Washington. He suggested that the
Government at Washington should be consulted by the President of the
Conference.
(It was then agreed that the Military Representatives at Versailles
should prepare a draft dispatch to be sent by M. Clemenceau to the
American and Japanese Governments regarding the necessity of providing
for the defence of the Siberian Railway after the evacuation of the
Czecho-Slovak troops.)
11. (The Report of the Representatives (Appendix “E”) was accepted.)Report of Military Representatives Regarding Military,
Naval and Air Control Commissions
12. Mr. Lansing observed that this question was
one between France, Great Britain and Italy, and that America was not
concerned.
Army of Occupation in Bulgaria
M. Clemenceau, alluding to documents appended
(Appendix “F”), asked M. Crespi how many troops Italy were prepared to
send.
M. Crespi said that Italy would send two
battalions if Great Britain sent two.
Mr. Balfour said he was not prepared to say how
many British troops would be sent.
M. Clemenceau said that he did not support the
proposals made by General Franchet d’Esperey10 that
there should be three British battalions and two Italian, while there
were two French divisions in the country. France had no special interest
in Bulgaria. He personally did not care who possessed Cavalla. He did
not agree to maintain two French Divisions in Bulgaria while Great
Britain had
[Page 66]
only one platoon,
and Italy two battalions. The French Army was being demobilised, and a
number of the troops in Bulgaria would be automatically recalled. In his
opinion, there should be an Inter-Allied occupation in equal shares, or
none.
General Bliss said that on the 9th June the
Military Representatives had made recommendations,11 which had been approved on
the 16th June by the Council of Four.12 It had been agreed that two
French Divisions should be maintained, and that Great Britain and Italy
should both be represented. On consultation, Great Britain had offered
one platoon, and Italy one battalion. Now General Franchet d’Esperey
called attention to the insufficiency of the British and Italian
contribution.
M. Clemenceau said that the situation had
changed, as he was now forced to demobilise, and remove his troops from
Bulgaria, unless his Allies took their share. The only Great Power which
had not been demobilised was Italy. Why they had not done so was their
business. The only people with interests at stake in Bulgaria were the
Greeks, and they sent their troops to Smyrna.
M. Crespi said that M. Clemenceau had more than
once declared that Italy had not demobilised. He wished to make a formal
and official statement that Italy had demobilised as much as France, and
had even demobilised one class more than France.
M. Clemenceau said that if that was so, Italy
could take her share of the watch on Bulgaria. Meanwhile, she was
sending 40,000 troops across the Black Sea to Baku.
M. Crespi said that the British Government had
requested that the British troops in the Caucasus be relieved by the
Italians. He was not aware that Italy had as yet decided to send even
one man.
M. Clemenceau said that he had nevertheless
received official telegrams in support of what he said.
General Cavallero said that he had just given
General Thwaites a statement in complete contradiction of the
information mentioned by M. Clemenceau.
(It was then decided to refer to the Military Representatives at
Versailles the question of devising means for an equal Inter-Allied
occupation of Bulgaria.)
13. M. Clemenceau announced that, according to
the, Havas Agency, the Weimar Assembly had ratified the Treaty, the
Rhine Convention, and the Protocols of the Treaty, by 208 votes against
115. Ratification of Treaty With Germany
(The Meeting then adjourned.)
Villa Majestic, Paris, July 9th, 1919.
[Page 67]
Appendix A to HD–3
[The American Minister at Warsaw
(Gibson) to the
Secretary of State]
The American Minister at Warsaw reports under date of 3rd July that
he had been informed by Colonel Grove,13 who received the information
from the Polish Delegation from West Prussia, that the German troops
in withdrawing from the west bank of the Vistula were clearing out
horses and farm implements from Polish and German inhabitants alike.
It would seem that these seizures were possibly the work of soldiery
without orders. Should this continue it will be impossible to reap
this year’s harvest. It would also prevent seeding their next year’s
crop and result in this district having to import rather than export
foodstuffs.
Appendix “B” to HD–3
SWC–438
supreme war council military
representatives
Report on the Measures To Be Taken
Regarding Hungary
On July 5th the Supreme Council of the Allied and Associated Powers
charged the Military Representatives of the Supreme War
Council:14
- (a)
- To examine from the military point of view the means at
the disposal of the Allied and Associated Powers to compel
Hungary to comply with the conditions of the armistice
accepted by her;*
- (b)
- To give the Supreme Council information regarding the
manufacture and the stocks of munitions at the disposal of
the Hungarian Government.
In their Joint Note No. 43 of June 7th, 1919,15 the
Military Representatives already considered the military measures to
be taken eventually against Hungary in order to put an end to the
Hungarian attacks against the Czecho-Slovaks.
[Page 68]
At that time the greater part of the Hungarian forces was
concentrated on the Czecho-Slovak front; the Hungarian Command had
only left weak covering forces in the East (Rumanian front) and in
the South (Franco-Serbian front.)
The execution of the Military operation set forth in its broad lines
in the Joint Note above mentioned would seem therefore to have been
capable of realisation without any great difficulties if it had been
undertaken immediately.
Since the 7th June, however, the military situation in Hungary has
appreciably changed.
Dispositions of the Hungarian
Army
On the intervention of the Supreme Council of the Allied and
Associated Powers, the Government of Bela Kun agreed to stop its
attacks against the Czecho-Slovaks, and moreover to order its troops
to evacuate Czecho-Slovak territory under the conditions laid down
by General Pellé16 in the name of the Allied and
Associated Powers.
From the latest information received from General Pellé it would
appear:—
That the evacuation of the above-mentioned territory by the
Hungarian troops has been carried out within the time limit
prescribed.
That the greater part of the Hungarian troops who were on the
Slovak front and who have been liberated as a result of this
evacuation, are in process of concentration in the regions
of Miskolcz (150 kilometres N. E. of Buda Pesth), Cegled and
Kecskemet (80 to 100 kilometres S. E. of Buda Pesth), where
they are in a position to threaten both the Rumanian and the
Franco-Serb forces.
It appears also that the Government of Buda Pesth is at the present
moment forming 2 new divisions of infantry, which will bring the
total number of the Hungarian forces up to 8–10 divisions of
infantry and 2 divisions of cavalry, or 100,000 to 120,000 combatant
troops. Recent information points to these troops being disciplined,
well-equipped, provided with numerous machine-guns and considerable
artillery, and to their supplies of ammunition, though no precise
information is forthcoming,† allowing them to offer considerable
resistance; and lastly to their being animated by a very strong
national feeling.
[Page 69]
Under these conditions, and taking into consideration the force that
the Hungarian Command would in the ordinary course of events be
obliged to maintain on the Czecho-Slovak front, it does not seem an
exaggeration that on the Rumanian and Franco-Serbian fronts alone
the Armies of the Entente, in case of offensive action against the
Hungarian Army, would have to fight a force of a least 90,000 to
100,000 good troops.
It must be added that Buda Pesth, the seat of the Hungarian
Government and the final objective of the Entente Armies, appears
now to have been transformed into a veritable fortress provided with
successive lines of defence extending to a great distance and a
strong defensive organisation, the capture of which would without
doubt entail a great effort if the Hungarian Government had not
beforehand asked for peace.
Dispositions of the Allied
Armies
The Allied and Associated Powers could oppose to the Hungarian
Army:—
(1) Conditional on the agreement
of the Rumanian and Serbian Governments
6 |
Rumanian |
Divisions. |
} |
60,000 |
men. |
1 |
“ |
Cavalry Division. |
2 |
French |
Divisions. |
|
16,000 |
“ |
1 |
Serbian |
Division. |
|
8,000 |
“ |
in all, 84,000 men of which two-thirds belong to the
Rumanian Army.
It must moreover be noted that the Rumanian troops have been forced
to evacuate, after the initial success of the Hungarian offensive
against the Czecho-Slovaks, the bridge-heads which they had occupied
on the right bank of the Theiss, and are consequently in a
disadvantageous position to undertake operations against the
Hungarians.
(2) Conditional on the agreement
of the Government of Prague
Such weak Czecho-Slovak forces as it has been possible to reorganise
up to date after the reverses of last month, amounting to at the
most:—
2 Divisions . . . . . . |
20,000 men. |
[Page 70]
The remainder of the Czecho-Slovak Army will probably not be
available for action for two months.
In any case the Entente would have at its disposal for the proposed
operation only a total force, including Czecho-Slovaks, of
100,000 to 110,000 men
with which to oppose
100,000 to 120,000 Hungarians.
Conclusions
In consideration of the above, the Military Representatives are of
opinion that the proposed operation is possible, but presents a
great element of risk if measures are not taken to ensure the
reinforcement of the Allied forces in time.
The Military Representatives further consider they should draw the
attention of the Supreme Council of the Allied and Associated Powers
to the following points:—
- (1)
- The possibility of undertaking this action depends
absolutely on the consent of the Serbian, Rumanian and
Czecho-Slovak Governments.
- (2)
- Serious difficulties must be expected in the carrying out
of the operation, viz:—
- (a)
- Changes in the dispositions of the Hungarian Army
in process of concentration between the Theiss and
the Danube to the South of Budapest and in the
region of Miskolcz.
- (b)
- The loss by the Rumanian forces of the bridgeheads
which they had occupied on the right bank of the
Theiss.
- (c)
- The defensive organisation carried out round
Budapest.
- (3)
- If the operation is contemplated it is of importance to
postpone the retirement of the Rumanian troops from the
region East of the Theiss.
With these reserves and if a military operation against the Hungarian
Army is decided on by the Supreme Council in spite of the
difficulties set forth above and the large expenditure involved, the
general plan of operations contemplated by the Military
Representatives in their Joint Note No. 43 of June 7th still appears
capable of execution in its broad lines. It would be for the General
Commanding-in-Chief the operating Armies to modify the plan as
circumstances may dictate.
In any case the Military Representatives insist, if the success of
the operation is to be assured, on the necessity of the operations
being under the direction of one Commander accepted by the Rumanian,
Serbian and Czecho-Slovak Governments. The General
Commanding-in-Chief, the Allied Armies of the East is the sole
Commander who appears for the moment to be in a position to make the
necessary dispositions
[Page 71]
without loss of time and consequently to ensure the necessary
co-ordination of action.
Gal
Belin
Military
Representative,
French
Section,
Supreme War
Council.C.
Sackville-West
Major
General,
Military
Representative,
British
Section,
Supreme War
Council.Ugo
Cavallero
Military
Representative,
Italian
Section,
Supreme War
Council.Tasker H.
Bliss
Military
Representative,
American
Section,
Supreme War Council.
Given at Versailles on the 8th July,
1919.
Appendix “C” to HD–3
WCP–1116
Financial
Commission,
Paris, July 7, 1919.
Translation
The President of the Financial Commission
To the President of the Supreme Council of the Peace
Conference
The Supreme Council at its meeting of July 5th, 1919, decided that
the “Financial Commission of the principal Allied and Associated
Powers should propose immediately to the Supreme Council measures
intended to prevent the sale on foreign markets of deeds and bonds
seized by order of the Government of Bela Kun in Hungary.”17
The Financial Commission met on the call of Mr. Crespi on July 7th,
1919, and decided to submit to the Supreme Council the following
considerations.
The decision taken by the communist Government to seize all the bonds
and values now deposited in the Banks of Hungary, thus procuring for
itself from four to six milliard crowns, is very prejudicial to the
interests of the Allied and Associated Powers and to those of their
nationals:
- 1.
- –It enables the Government of Bela Kun to form an
important fund with which to subsidize bolshevist actions
not only in Hungary but also in Allied and Neutral
Countries.
- 2.
- –The sale of the bonds deposited with Hungarian Banks
deprives the Allied and Associated Powers of part of the
pledge assured them by the Treaty with Germany and the draft
treaties with the other enemy powers for the payment of
reparations for losses due to the war.
- 3.
- –Lastly, this measure is a real theft prejudicial to
individuals, some of whom are nationals of the Allied and
Associated Powers.
[Page 72]
The Financial Commission considers the only really effective means of
protecting the interests threatened would be that suggested by the
Colonel, Chief of the Italian Military Commission at Budapest, who
proposes to sequester for purposes of conservation all the bonds
deposited in Hungarian banks and to place these Banks under the
control of the representatives of the Allied and Associated Powers.
But it believes that these measures can only be carried out if the
Allied and Associated Governments have at their disposal the
military forces required for enforcing them on the Hungarian
communist government and for ensuring their maintenance.
The decisions which the Supreme Council will take on this subject
will determine the possibility of preventing Bela Kun from carrying
out his purpose of seizing all the assets deposited in the Hungarian
Banks and sending them abroad.
Anyhow, the Financial Commission suggests to the Supreme Council the
following measures which it believes are such as to at least
mitigate the effects of the orders given by Bela Kun even if they do
not afford complete protection to Allied and Associated
interests.
First of all, a note should be sent to the Hungarian Communist
Government by the Governments of the principal Allied and Associated
Powers.
This would back up and re-enforce the note which the Colonel, Chief
of the Italian Military Commission in Budapest, has already taken
the well-advised initiative of sending to Bela Kun.
This note of protest against the order given to the Hungarian banks
would clearly state that the Allied and Associated Powers consider
that the assets seized are the security for their war reparation
credits, or for the property belonging to their nationals, and that
they cannot consent to its being disposed of. All measures of
confiscation will therefore be held as null and void and the
Hungarian Government will be held personally responsible for all
losses incurred by the nationals of the Allied and Associated
Powers.
In the second place, a circular note could be addressed to the
Governments of the Allied and Associated Powers and to Neutrals
informing them of the step taken by Bela Kun in the matter of the
Hungarian banks.
It could draw their attention to the danger involved for all the
nations by the formation of a bolshevist propaganda fund, and it
could ask these Powers to assist in mitigating the effects of Bela
Kun’s orders and in frustrating his intentions.
Such assistance might consist in measures similar to those taken by
the Scandinavian and Swiss Governments with regard to bank-notes
coming from Russia; in prohibition of the entry, or in special super
[Page 73]
vision of Hungarian
securities and of all securities coming from Hungary.
The same note might be sent to the German and Austrian Governments
which are interested in protecting themselves against the bolshevist
danger.
In the third place, the Governments of the Allied and Associated
Powers may require their nationals to make a declaration of all
securities deposited with Hungarian banks of which they are the
owners. This declaration might subsequently be completed by
opposition to the sale of such securities in all the countries which
have adopted legislation allowing of such opposition.
The Supreme Council will not fail to see that the first of these
measures would only have the value of a protest if it were not
backed up by force of arms.
WCP–1116A
Translation
financial commission of
the principal allied & associated powers
July 7,
1919.
Joint Draft Note of the Principal
Allied and Associated Governments to the Governments of the
Allied, Associated and Neutral Powers and to the Governments of
the German Empire and of Austria
According to information received by the Governments of the principal
Allied and Associated Powers, the communist Government of Budapest
has ordered the banks in Hungarian territory to deliver up to it all
securities and values held by them on deposit, and it would appear
that this order has already begun to be carried out.
The Governments of the Allied and Associated Powers have agreed a
formal protest to the Communist Government.
The Governments of the principal Allied and Associated Governments
draw the attention of the Government of . . . . . to the danger
involved for all nations by the formation of a fund for subsidising
bolshevist action not only in Hungary but also in foreign
countries.
It appears to them that joint action is essential, on the one hand,
for opposing the propaganda of Bela Kun, and on the other for
mitigating, in respect of all depositors, both Hungarian and foreign
the consequences of a measure of spoliation.
[Page 74]
WCP–1116B
Translation
financial commission of
the principal allied & associated powers
July 7, 1919.
Joint Draft Note of the Governments
of the Allied and Associated Powers to Bela Kim
According to information received by the Governments of the Allied
and Associated Powers the Communist Government of Budapest has given
order to the banks on Hungarian territory to deliver up to it all
bonds and securities and values held by them on deposit; and it
would appear that this order has already begun to be carried
out.
The Governments of the Allied and Associated Powers consider that
these securities and values, in as much as they are not the property
of their nations, are the security for the credits on account of war
reparations.
They make formal protest against all measures aiming at disposing of
the same.
They also declare that they consider as a qualified theft all seizure
of securities and values belonging to their nationals.
They warn the communist government that they consider as null and
void all measures which it has decreed for their confiscation, and
that they hold the Hungarian Government responsible for all loss
which may result from same to themselves and to their nationals.
WCP–1116C
Translation
Draft Communication to the
Press
According to information received, the Communist Government of
Budapest has ordered the banks on Hungarian territory to deliver up
to it the securities and values which they hold on deposit; and it
would seem that steps have been taken to carry out this order.
The Governments of the Allied and Associated Powers have addressed to
Bela Kun a formal protest, stating that they consider as a qualified
theft the seizure of all securities and values belonging to their
nationals, and warning the communist Government that they will hold
as null and void all measures of confiscation, and that they will
hold the Hungarian Government responsible for all losses which may
result therefrom to them and to their nationals.
The (French) owners of securities deposited in Hungary are requested
to declare same to (the Commission of Claims Ministry of Foreign
Affairs) as soon as possible; which they have already done.
Moreover, owners of such securities are advised to make the
declarations
[Page 75]
foreseen by the
Law of June 15th, 1872 on oppositions,18 to the
Syndical Chamber of Brokers of Paris.
Appendix D to HD–3
Frontier Between Yugo-Slavia and
Hungary in the Prekomurye
a. demand of the
serbo-croat-slovene delegation
The Serbo-Croat-Slovene Delegation no longer claim the eastern
districts inhabited by a compact Magyar population and the northern
districts which are connected with the valley of the Raab by their
economic interests.
b. decision of the
committee
(1) Principles
- (a)
- The Committee considers that from the geographical point of
view the new frontier claimed by the Serbo-Croat-Slovene
Delegation is of an artificial character like the former one, as
indeed is unavoidable in any delineation of the Yugo-Slav
salient to the north of the Mur.
- (b)
- It notes that this salient, thus reduced, is inhabited by a
population of which three-quarters are Slovene.
- (c)
- It recognises that from a general political point of view the
fate of the Slovene race, united under the Austro-Hungarian
domination and in its resistance to Germanisation, but now
inevitably destined to be split up as a result of the partition
of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is worthy of all
attention.
(2) Conclusions
The Committee proposes to assign to Yugo-Slavia the part of the
Prekomurye now claimed by the Serbo-Croat-Slovene Delegation. The
geographical boundary is as follows:—
The talweg of the Lendva upstream to a
point to be determined on the ground to the south of point
265.
Thence, a line, to be determined on the ground, running in a
north-north-westerly direction to point 209 (3 kilometres
west of Nemesnep) and leaving Pincze, Csente, Hidveg,
Gönterhaza, Zsitköcz and Kebeleszentmarton to Yugo-Slavia;
and Lendva-Ujfalu, Dedes, Gaborjanhaza, Bödehaza and
Lendva-Jakabfa to Hungary.
Thence, in a north-westerly direction as far as point 295,
approximately the crest line separating the basins of the
river Nemesnepi in the north and the river Kebele in the
South.
Thence a line, to be determined on the ground, running in a
northerly direction to point 313 (about 10 kilometres to the
south of Szt. Gotthard) passing over points 291–319 and
leaving Kisszerdahely,
[Page 76]
Domonkosfa, Kapornak, Domafold with its railway station,
and Nagy-dolany to Yugo-Slavia; and Szomorocz and Kotormany
to Hungary.
Thence, in a westerly direction as far as point 371 (about 10
kilometres to the south-south-east of Fehring) approximately
the crest-line separating the basins of the Raba [Raab?] in the north and the Mur in
the south.
Thence, a line, to be determined on the ground, running in a
south-westerly direction to the old frontier between Austria
and Hungary to the east of point 400, and leaving Gedoudvar
to Yugoslavia and Bonisfalva to Hungary.
SWC–437
Appendix E to HD–3
[Report of the Military
Representatives on the Supreme War Council Regarding Military,
Naval and Air Control Commissions]
- Present
- France
- Gen. Belin.
- Rear-Admiral Grasset.
- Gen. Duval.
- Gt. Britain
- Maj-Gen. Hon. C. J. Sackville-West, K. B. E.,
C. M. G.
- Vice-Adm. Sir E. F. B. Charlton, K. C. M. G.,
C. B.
- Brig-Gen. P. R. C. Groves, D. S. O.
- Italy
- Gen. Cavallero.
- Admiral Grassi.
- Admiral Orsini.
- America
- Col. S. D. Embick, C. M. G.
- Rear-Adm. H. S. Knapp.
- Rear-Adm. H. A. Wiley.
- Japan
- Maj-Gen. Tanaka.
- Admiral Jeda.
- Col. Sato.
- Also Representing Belgium—Major Van Egroo.
- In Attendance
- Maj. Lacombe.
- Capt. Boehl.
- Captain Levavasseur.
- Captain Boissiere.
- Lieut. Robert.
- Lieut. Fould.
- Brig-Gen. H. W. Studd, C. B., C. M. G., D. S.
O.
- Maj-Gen. Hon. Sir F. R. Bingham, K. C. M. G. C.
B.
- Lt-CoL W. L. O. Twiss, M. C.
- Paymaster-Capt. W. F. Cullinan, C. M. G.
- Lt-Commdr. A. R. J. Southby.
- Commdr. G. Nakajima.
- Lieut. R. Sugiyama.
- Major Katsuki.
- Secretariat
- Capt. C. L. Wicks.
- Capt. T. F. Powell.
- Capt. Majnoni.
- Lieut. Bosio.
- Col. U. S. Grant,
- C. M. G.
- Interpreter
ORGANISATION OF THE INTER-ALLIED COMMISSIONS OF
CONTROL REFERRED TO IN ARTICLES 203–210 OF THE TREATY OF PEACE WITH
GERMANY
General. Formation of Inter-Allied
Commissions of Control
part i
Article 1
Three Inter-Allied Commissions of Control shall be created, viz:—
- The Military Inter-Allied Commission of Control.
- The Naval Inter-Allied Commission of Control.
- The Aeronautical Inter-Allied Commission of
Control.
These Commissions shall enter upon their duties as from the date of
the coming into force of the Treaty of Peace.
[Page 77]
Article 2
The Military Inter-Allied Commission of Control shall represent the
Principal Allied and Associated Governments with the German
Government in all matters concerning the execution of the Military
Clauses (Article 208).
The President of the Military Inter-Allied Commission of Control
shall be a French General.‡
Article 3
The Naval Inter-Allied Commission of Control shall represent the
Principal Allied and Associated Governments with the German
Government in all matters concerning the execution of the Naval
Clauses (Article 209).
The President of the Naval Inter-Allied Commission of Control shall
be a British Admiral.
Article 4
The Aeronautical Inter-Allied Commission of Control shall represent
the Principal Allied and Associated Governments with the German
Government in all matters concerning the execution of the
Aeronautical Clauses (Article 210).
The President of the Aeronautical Inter-Allied Commission of Control
shall be a British Brigadier-General.
Article 5
The General Officers and Admiral referred to in Articles 2, 3, and 4
shall mutually detail a permanent representative (assisted if
necessary by other Officers) for the purpose of maintaining liaison
between them.
part ii.—powers of the
inter-allied commissions of control
Article 6
The powers of each of the Inter-Allied Commissions of Control are
defined in Articles 203 to 210 of the Treaty of Peace.
In addition to the application of the Military Clauses (Articles 159
to 180), the Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control shall
enforce Articles 195 (paragraph 1) and 196 (paragraphs 2 and 3) of
the Naval Clauses.
Article 7
The general clauses (Articles 211–212 of the Treaty of Peace) shall
be under the supervision of the President of the Military, Naval or
Aeronautical Commissions of Control as the case may be.
[Page 78]
part iii.—expenses of the
inter-allied commissions of control
Article 8
The maintenance and expenses of the Commissions of Control and their
working expenses are chargeable to Germany in accordance with
Article 207 of the Treaty of Peace.
These expenses shall be paid direct, through the President of the
Commissions, to the parties concerned, by the Allied and Associated
Governments, who shall obtain repayment of such expenses from the
German Government.¶
Article 9
The German Government will be notified of the accommodation required
for the Inter-Allied Commissions of Control, and will provide such
accommodation in accordance with Article 206 (paragraph 1) of the
Treaty of Peace.
part iv.—duration of activities of
inter-allied commissions of control
Article 10
The duration of the activities of each commission shall be limited to
the complete execution of the Military, Naval or Air Clauses under
its supervision, for which a time limit is fixed in the Treaty of
Peace; and in case the execution be not completed within the period
fixed, this fact will be reported by the Commission concerned to the
Governments of the Principal Allied and Associated Powers for a
decision as to the action to be taken.
Until a decision is reached the Commission will continue to supervise
the execution of the particular clause in question.
Organisation of the Military
Inter-Allied Commission of Control
Article 11
The General Officer presiding over the Military Inter-Allied
Commission of Control shall be assisted by a Staff which shall
include Officers of each of the Armies of the Principal Allied and
Associated Powers and of Belgium.
He shall moreover be assisted by the necessary technical personnel
(legal, financial and other experts). It will sit at Berlin.
Article 12
The Military Inter-Allied Commission of Control shall include three
Sub-Commissions:—
- (a)
- A Sub-Commission for Munitions, Armament and
Material.
- (b)
- A Sub-Commission for Establishments, Recruiting and
Military Training.
- (c)
- A Sub-Commission for Fortifications.
Article 13—Sub-Commission for
Munitions, Armament, and Material
This Sub-Commission shall supervise the execution of Articles
164–172,180, 195 (paragraph 1) and 196 (paragraphs 2 and 3) of the
Treaty of Peace.
It shall be presided over by a British General Officer, assisted by
Officers of the various Allied and Associated Armies; and shall sit
at Berlin.
The Sub-Commission shall be represented by Officers at Munich,
Dresden and Stuttgart and at such other places as may be found
necessary. The total number of officers necessary for this
Sub-Commission will be decided by the President; it will probably
not exceed about 20 Officers. It will be assisted by a technical
staff of about 4–8 Officers, specially entrusted with the execution
of Articles 168 and 169.
Article 14—Sub-Commission for
Establishments, Recruiting and Military Training
This Sub-Commission shall supervise the execution of Articles 159–163
and 173–178 of the Treaty of Peace, particularly as regards the
abolition of military schools provided for in Article 176.
It shall be presided over by a French General Officer assisted by
Officers of the various Allied and Associated Armies; and shall sit
at Berlin.
The Sub-Commission shall be represented by Officers at Munich,
Dresden and Stuttgart and at such other places as may be found
necessary.
The total number of Officers necessary for this Sub-Commission will
be decided by the President; it will probably not exceed about 30
Officers.
Article 15—Sub-Commission for
Fortifications
This Sub-Commission shall supervise the execution of Articles 180,
195 (paragraph 1) and 196 (paragraphs 2 and 3) of the Treaty of
Peace.
It shall be presided over by an American General Officer and divided
into two sections:—
- (1)
- The Section making the returns (faisant
le reconsement [recon-naisement?]) of fortifications to be
maintained (Articles 180 and 196) which shall sit at Berlin
and have delegates at Munich, Dresden, Stuttgart and
Konigsberg.
- (2)
- The Section dealing with dismantling which shall operate
from Kiel (Article 195) with a branch at Stettin, and from
Mayence (Article 180) with Branches at Strassburg and
Cologne.
[Page 80]
The Sub-Commission shall consist of about 15 Officers in all, 5 in
the first and 10 in the second Section (exact numbers to be decided
by the President). The second Section shall be provided with a large
subordinate personnel to superintend the work of dismantling.
Article 16
The Officers representing each nation on the Military Inter-Allied
Commission of Control might be provided as far as possible in the
following proportions:—
United States of America |
3 in 20. |
Great Britain |
4 in 20. |
France |
5 in 20. |
Italy |
4 in 20. |
Belgium |
2 in 20. |
Japan |
2 in 20. |
Organisation of the Naval
Inter-Allied Commission of Control
Article 17
The Naval Inter-Allied Commission of Control which is charged with
the supervision of the execution of the Naval Clauses of the Peace
Treaty will consist of:—
- The Main Commission with necessary Staff, with
Headquarters in Berlin.
- A Sub-Commission (A) consisting of Professional and
Technical Officers for dealing with matters set forth
below.
- A Sub-Commission (B) similarly composed and constituted
for a similar purpose.
- It is important that the execution of Article 115 of the
Treaty of Peace which deals with the destruction of the
fortifications of Heligoland shall be entrusted to a
Sub-Commission of the Naval Inter-Allied Commission of
Control.
- A Sub-Commission (C) shall be constituted for this
purpose.
Article 18
The Main Commission will consist of:—
- Vice Admiral Sir E. F. B. Charlton, K. C. M. G., C.
B.,
- Contre Admiral M. F. A. Grasset,
- Rear Admiral P. Orsini, R. I. N.,
- Rear Admiral H. A. Wiley, U. S. N.,
- Commander M. Sakonji, I. J. N.
or such Officers as may be designated by their
respective governments to succeed them.
Article 19
Sub-Commission “A” will consist of about 8 Officers of the Allied and
Associated Navies and will be presided over by a Captain of the
British Navy.
[Page 81]
Sub-Commission “B” will consist of about 9 Officers of the Allied and
Associated Navies and will be presided over by a Captain of the
French Navy.
Sub-Commission “C” will consist of about 4 Officers of the Allied and
Associated Navies and will be presided over by a Captain of the
British Navy.
An Interpreter will be attached to each Sub-Commission.
Article 20
As soon as possible after the coming into force of the Treaty of
Peace, the Main Commission shall proceed in men-of-war to Germany
and travel to Berlin to meet the representatives appointed by the
German Government and notify them of the procedure which will be
adopted by the Commission of Control.
Article 21
The date of the proposed visit to Berlin will be arranged in
conjunction with the Commissions for the execution of the Military
and Air Clauses.
Article 22
With regard to the allocation of responsibilities to the
Sub-Commissions “A” and “B”—
Sub-Commission “A” shall deal with:—
- (1)
- The surrender of ships.
- (2)
- The breaking-up of ships under construction.
- (3)
- The allowance of ammunition on board ships still in
commission.
- (4)
- The reduction of personnel.
Sub-Commission “B” shall deal with:—
The surrender of all other stocks of munitions and war
material and the stoppage of manufacture.
The foregoing allocation is tentative and not to be regarded as
arbitrary, as experience may show it to be desirable to amend it. It
is based on the geographical situation in so far as Sub-Commission
“A” will deal with the Naval Ports and the Admiralty in Berlin,
while Sub-Commission “B” will be required to exercise supervision in
various centres in Germany.
Article 23
Should it be found desirable or necessary, the personnel of
Sub-Commissions “A” and “B” shall be interchangeable.
[Page 82]
Organisation of the Aeronautical
Inter-Allied Commission of Control
Article 24
The Headquarters of the Aeronautical Inter-Allied Commission shall be
at Berlin.
Article 25
The Aeronautical Inter-Allied Commission of Control shall consist of
6 Sub-Commissions:—
- 1 Sub-Commission on Production.
- 1 Sub-Commission on Naval Aircraft and Dirigibles.
- 4 Sub-Commissions on Military Aircraft.
Article 26
The Sub-Commission on Production shall supervise particularly the
execution of the Clauses contained in Article 201.
It shall sit at Berlin, and be presided over by a French Colonel,
assisted by the necessary technical staff.
Article 27
The Sub-Commission on Naval Aircraft and Dirigibles shall supervise
as regards those types of Aircraft, the Clauses contained in
articles other than Article 201.
It shall be presided over by a British Lieutenant-Colonel.
Article 28
The Sub-Commissions on Military Aircraft shall supervise as far as
this class of aircraft is concerned, the execution of clauses other
than those contained in Article 201.
A Sub-Commission at Berlin shall be presided over by an American
Brigadier-General.
A Sub-Commission at Stuttgart shall be presided over by a French
Lieutenant-Colonel.
A Sub-Commission at Munich shall be presided over by an Italian
Lieutenant-Colonel.
A Sub-Commission at Dresden shall be presided over by a Belgian
Lieutenant-Colonel.
Article 29
The details of the organization of the Aeronautical Inter-Allied
Commission of Control are set forth in the attached Table which is
put forward as an indication. The total numbers involved are:—
- Officers 196.
- Other Ranks 381.
- Interpreters 25.
[Page 83]
INTER-ALLIED AERONAUTICAL COMMISSION OF CONTROL
(Germany)
Distribution of Personnel and
Transport
Personnel |
Transport |
Distribution |
Nationality |
Officers |
Interpreters |
Other ranks |
Landau-lettes |
Touring cars |
Motor-cycles with side-cars |
Motor cycles |
Heavy tenders |
Light tenders |
Berlin. |
British |
46 |
9 |
106 |
1 |
a 14 |
3 |
|
1 |
3 |
France. |
39 |
9 |
98 |
1 |
15 |
|
3 |
thiru |
2 |
U. S. A. |
15 |
|
24 |
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
Italy. |
21 |
4 |
34 |
|
7 |
1 |
|
|
2 |
Japan. |
6 |
1 |
4 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
Belgium. |
12 |
2 |
25 |
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
Totals to Berlin |
139 |
25 |
291 |
2 |
51 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
7 |
Wurtenburg (Sotuttgart). |
British. |
7 |
|
9 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
France. |
8 |
|
15 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
|
1 |
U. S. A. |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Italy. |
1 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Belgium. |
1 |
|
4 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
Totals to Stuttgart |
18 |
|
30 |
|
5 |
1 |
|
|
1 |
Bavaria (Munich). |
British |
7 |
|
9 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
France. |
7 |
|
13 |
|
2 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
U. S. A. |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Italy. |
4 |
|
4 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
Belgium. |
1 |
|
4 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
Totals to Munich |
20 |
|
30 |
|
7 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
Saxony (Dresden). |
British. |
7 |
|
9 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
France. |
7 |
|
13 |
|
2 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
U. S. A. |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Italy. |
2 |
|
4 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
Belgium. |
2 |
|
4 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
Totals to Dresden |
19 |
|
30 |
|
6 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
Totals to Germany |
196 |
25 |
381 |
2 |
69 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
10 |
[Page 84]
Appendix F to HD–3
Constantinople, July
7, 1919, 11:30 a.m.
Ciphered Telegram
From: General Franchet d’Esperey.
To: War Minister—Paris.
Nos. 2156 and 2157.
2156 8184/3.
- 1.
- By note number 44 from the Supreme War Council19 you
informed me that it would be advisable to create an Allied Force
in Bulgaria including two detachments, one Italian and one
British.
- 2.
- General Mombelli20 has already reported to me that according to
orders received from the Italian Government his detachment would
include 1 battalion whose stationing I have provided for in
Southern Dobroudja.
- 2157.
- 3.
- General Milne21 can place at my disposal 1 battalion that would
be stationed in Bulgarian Thrace, but no orders have been
received from his government.
- 4.
- I beg you to request the British Government to be good enough
to issue instructions to General Milne so that I may forthwith
proceed with the organisation of the occupation of
Bulgaria.
Note Concerning the Troops of Occupation in
Bulgaria
I. In their joint note No. 44, dated June 9th,19 the Permanent Military
Representatives, after considering the situation in Bulgaria and
finding it was necessary to maintain order at all events, at the
time when the decisions of the Peace Conference are being notified
have agreed on the immediate creation of an interallied military force of occupation to be placed
directly and completely under the orders of the General Commanding
in Chief the Armies of the East and consisting of:
“French Troops (2 divisions)
An Italian detachment, representing the Italian army
A British detachment representing the British Army”.
[Page 85]
This note was approved by the Supreme Council at its meeting of 16th
June.22
II. On the 21st June, the British and Italian Military
Representatives were asked to state the exact strength of their
troops. On 25th June, the British Military Representative answered
in writing “that in any case not more than one platoon would be
available including one officer and forty other ranks for the
purpose”. The Italian Military Representative stated orally that the
strength contemplated for the Italian force would be a
battalion.
III. These forces are both obviously inadequate. It is true that the
Italian and British Governments have put forward the requirements of
demobilization. Still, such requirements exist to the same extent as
far as the French Government is concerned.
But first of all, the contemplated occupation must be interallied in character. France can no
longer be the only one to bear all the material and moral
inconveniences entailed by occupation and eventually by military
intervention, should order happen to be disturbed and should the
decisions of the Entente fail to be carried out.
Finally, it is necessary to note that for purposes of preventative
policing which it is necessary to insure, one cannot rely on Greek
or Serbian forces, since their mere appearing in Bulgaria would be
sufficient to such troubles as must be avoided.
IV. In order that the occupation should be truly interallied in
character and in order to be in a position to add to the two French
Divisions such forces as is necessary to complete the total strength
it is requested that the Italian and British detachments should be
tactical units capable of a military
role, that is to say, they should at
least consist of:
- an Italian regiment including 3 battalions.
- a British Brigade including 2 battalions.