APPENDIX "C"
THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON
24 April, 1919.
PRESIDENT WILSON,
Paris.
As we see it from this distance, the selfish designs of Japan are as indefensible as are those of Italy. The two situations appear to parallel each other in their bearing upon the fate of weak and helpless nations. Would it not be an opportune time to cast another die, this one in the direction of Japan, that the whole world may know once and for all where America stands upon this, the greatest issue of the peace we are trying to make? Now is the time to use your heavy artillery and emphasize the danger of secret treaties and selfish designs of certain big nations.
TUMULTY.
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Received at The White House, Washington, 11:48 A.M.
April 26, 1919.
Paris.
TUMULTY,
White House,
Washington.
Am very grateful for your message of approval about the Japanese business. It has warmed my heart mightily. The difficulties here would have been incredible to me before I got here. Your support kept me in heart.
WOODROW WILSON.
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THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON
26 April, 1919.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Paris.
It appears to me from this end that the Japanese demands will soon produce another crisis. If such a crisis arises, I hope you will in any statement you make emphasize again America's purpose and her unwillingness to consent to any imperialistic peace. The whole country will be with you in this matter as never before. I think that your Italian statement was the beginning of a real peace and a real league of nations.
TUMULTY.
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Received at The White House, Washington,
April 29, 1919.
Paris.
TUMULTY,
White House, Washington.
Situation still difficult. President putting up great fight against odds.
Japanese claims now under discussion.
GRAYSON.
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Paris.
Received at The White House, Washington.
April 30, 1919.
TUMULTY,
White House, Washington.
Japanese situation hanging by a thread. They are in conference now. These are terrible days for the President physically and otherwise.
GRAYSON.
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Received at The White House, Washington,
May 1, 1919.
Paris.
TUMULTY,
White House, Washington.
The solution of the Kiauchau question is regarded here both generally and by special friends of China, like Charles R. Crane, as remarkably favourable and fortunate considering its rotten and complicated past and the tangle of secret treaties in which she was enmeshed and from which she had to be extricated. It is regarded as a wonderful victory for the President. The Japanese themselves admit that they have made far greater concessions than they had even dreamed would be required of them. The Chinese agreed that they have great confidence in their interests being safeguarded in every way and they appreciate that the League of Nations eventually will look after them.
GRAYSON.
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THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON
1 May, 1919.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Paris.
I have not made use of the Japanese statement but am keeping my ear to the ground and waiting. My feeling is that an attempt to explain the compromise when no demand is made, would weaken our position instead of strengthening it. I will therefore do nothing about the Japanese matter unless you insist. It would help if I could unofficially say: First, the date of your probable return to this country; Second, whether tour country to discuss the League of Nations is possible. The adoption of the labour programme as part of the peace programme is most important, but not enough emphasis is being placed upon it. Could you not make a statement of some kind that we could use here, showing the importance of this programme as helping toward the stabilization of labour conditions throughout the world?
TUMULTY.
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THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON
2 May, 1919.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Paris.
Sympathetic editorial New York World reference Japanese settlement. I have not given out statement as yet. It does not look now as if any would be necessary.
TUMULTY.
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Received at The White House, Washington,
2 May, 1919.
London.
TUMULTY,
White House, Washington.
Am perfectly willing to have you use your discretion about the use you make of what I sent you about the Chinese-Japanese settlement. Sorry I cannot predict the date of my return though I think it will be by June first. Am expecting to make a tour of the country but even that is impossible to predict with certainty.
WOODROW WILSON.
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THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON
4 May, 1919.
GRAYSON,
Care President Wilson, Paris.
Papers here very critical of Japanese settlement. Chinese statement given great publicity.