Charles Henry Grasty to Colonel House
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Paris, 16, June. General Pershing has been an unqualified success in Europe. So far as fitness to deal with these people socially and diplomatically is concerned, he is America at its very best. You will have read the enthusiastic accounts in the papers. They are not overdrawn.
The President is not merely admired, he is idolized. You could expect as much in France, but it does surprise you in England. The conditions in the latter country are good without any ifs or buts. They are more confident than they have ever been.
In the London newspaper offices they assert that the people at the head of the new government in Russia are thoroughly corrupt, a new and hungry set of grafters. The Morning Post people say they will give me some details later and I will write you.
France was on its last legs when we came to the rescue. Even now the situation is bad. There are no young soldiers, all killed or wounded; the political and military elements are at loggerheads, Joffre's name was hissed in the Chamber the day Pershing was received there. Petain, like Joffre, will not yield anything to the politicians and they hate him back; worst of all the civilian population is dissatisfied and restive. There is whispered talk all round of revolution.
I think the arrival of General Pershing and staff will prove a specific for the trouble. France has thrown its arms around him. If there were trouble he could do more to put it down than any Frenchman. So great has been his instant success. He reminds one of Robert E. Lee in his mien. He has tremendous dignity and authority of manner.
I will write you again.(Signed) Charles H. Grasty.