Kindly ascertain and notify by telephone Otis Cutler, Hotel Regina, Paris, whether President Wilson has any objection to Secretary Lane being approached to accept the General Directorship of the Associated National Red Cross. Davison and his advisers, after a thorough canvass of available material here, have unanimously concluded that Lane is best equipped for this most important post. As success of movement is so largely dependent on its management, we hope President will assent.
(Signed)
Henry Morgenthau.
The reply was another evidence of Wilson’s fine loyalty to his friends:
Hon. Henry Morgenthau,
Cannes, France.
The President does not know what the position proposed is, but he could not see his way to approving anything that would necessarily involve Secretary Lane’s withdrawal from his position unless the desire originated with him.
(Signed)
Cary T. Grayson.
Davison then cabled one of his partners to see Lane personally and asked me to cable Lane direct, which was done as follows:
Franklin Lane,
Washington, D. C.