Paris Peace Conf. 184.1 Polk, Frank L.: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
2709. [From Lansing.] The other American Commissioners consider in view of the general situation that it would be wise for me to return to Washington as soon as possible. In the event that I do so it would necessitate your taking my place on the Commission as soon as we could have a conference in Washington or New York. I would like your opinion as to the advisability of my return to aid with the treaty in the Senate and an expression as to your willingness to assuming the duties of a Commissioner.
So far as the duties of Commissioner are concerned I am sure that you would not from now on find them arduous and that they would be an agreeable change from the confining work of the Department. I am sure that the change would give you opportunity for rest while the experience would be interesting and useful.
This plan is not dependent entirely upon the Germans’ signing the treaty but their failure to do so at once might compel some delay in putting it into operation.
Please telegraph me at once your opinion which I hope will not be adverse if based on personal disinclination alone. I wish you would be perfectly frank in expressing your views. Lansing.