Edward M. House Papers: Telegram
Colonel E. M. House to President Wilson
Withyham, Sussex.
August 8, 1919.
For some weeks Grey has had under consideration an urgent request from this Government to become Ambassador to the United States, in order to bring about an understanding regarding the League of Nations, the naval building program and the Irish question. He declined to consider an Ambassadorship, but has been willing to discuss the possibility of going as a special envoy. His condition was that he might discuss the matter with me and determine what policies regarding the three subjects mentioned would be essential to a successful mission.
Grey, Haldane and I have had several conferences and came to these conclusions.
- 1st.
- There would be no difficulty regarding the League of Nations.
- 2d.
- As to the naval program there must be no rivalry. Great Britain should not undertake to build against us no matter how many keels we laid down. It was conceded that the United States could outbuild Great Britain in a contest of this sort. Great Britain was to be free to build whatever she thought necessary for her protection against any European power.
- 3rd.
- Ireland as a whole or any part that desired it was to have a full measure of home rule and which was to include the right to impose customs.
The Prime Minister, after consultation with Bonar Law, accepted this program with two reservations.
- 1.
- The moderation in naval construction must be reciprocal.
- 2.
- The right of Ireland to impose customs would have to be examined in order to determine whether such a plan would be practicable.
Haldane and I advised Grey to accept provided the conditions outlined are handed Grey in the form of instructions and are not left as a verbal understanding.
An announcement may be made immediately. If Grey goes under these conditions the most vexatious subject between the two countries will be in a fair way for settlement. The Prime Minister insists that this shall be entirely confidential until publication.