Colonel House to Woodrow Wilson

In talking with Gordon yesterday he wondered what I thought of suggesting to you the substitution of Hoover for Mott. After thinking about it, it appealed to me and I asked Gordon to take it up with Lansing for his approval. Lansing was enthusiastic and instructed Gordon to draft the letter which you have received.
I hope you will think well of the plan. Hoover is no longer necessary where he is, and there are several who are able to carry on the work notably his understudies, Julius Barnes or Alonzo Taylor.
The Russians know Hoover and Hoover knows the East. If he heads "The Russian Relief Commission" it will typify in the Russian mind what was done in Belgium, and I doubt whether any Government in Russia, friendly or unfriendly, would dare oppose his coming in.
It seems to me fortunate that Mott declined to serve, for Hoover has more ability as an organizer, his name will carry more weight in the direction desired, and his appointment will, for the moment, settle the Russian question as far as it can be settled by you at present.
Someone has been here almost every day since I arrived to talk about this vexatious problem, and to try and get me to transmit their views to you. I have not done so because no good way out was presented. This plan, however, seems workable, and I sincerely hope it will appeal to your judgment..