Paris Peace Conf. 180.035/5: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Secretary of State
4589. Strictly confidential for the Secretary of State from Polk. Your 3328.99 I have for some time been trying to wind up the work of the Commission and turn over to the Embassy and Department as many questions as possible. As you know, we are most anxious to get home, but, in our opinion, the Roumanian situation must be straightened out by the delegates. It is a hard and sometimes a personal fight and we believe it would embarrass the Ambassador to have to carry on those negotiations. It would also be our view that the Italian question is one that could not be handled by the Ambassador for the same reason.
- 1.
- Please let us know what your views are as to the Dutch-Belgian discussions. In my opinion this should be handled directly by the Department.
- 2.
- Reparation questions pending ratification of the Treaty. Can these be turned over to Rathbone1 as soon as he has a grasp of the situation and handled by him directly with the Department?
- 3.
- Who will handle the question of the modification of the Treaty, if any, when the Senate ratifies?
- 4.
- The Bulgarians will undoubtedly come back with a request for modifications. This will require a certain amount of technical knowledge and could not be handled by the Embassy. Would it not be well for the Commission to complete that?
- 5.
- The Hungarian treaty is dependent primarily on Roumania. Until we come to an understanding with them, terms cannot be agreed on. As I said above, negotiations on this question would seem to require presence of the Commission with experts. Have discussed plan with Doctor Scott and others of first coming to an agreement with the Roumanians. When that is done we could then sign a treaty or protocol with the various governments that take territory from Hungary, covering the cession and occupation of this territory, complete all details except the actual signing by the Hungarian Government and leave the treaty for execution by Ambassador when a Government is formed. Treaty is entirely ready. Sir Eyre Crowe, speaking for the British, thinks that my plan is feasible. It may be that when the Roumanians withdraw, as we hope they will do in the next ten days, a government with which we can treat will be created.
This telegram has been shown to my colleagues and they agree with all I have said. Polk.