Herbert Bayard Swope to Woodrow Wilson
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TELEGRAM.
Monday afternoon
Dear Mr. President: To clear up doubt ariding arising from contradictory reports of our attitude on the Japanese-Siberian situation, and in the hope that the publication may show that we are still the controlling force in international developments, I purpose printing an article to this effect: That America's non-assent to the suggestion of Japanese intervention in Siberia checked the original plan and that nothing is to be done along that line until there is actual military necessity for the step, in which case America will give her a consent. Such necessity is to be demonstrated by Russia's invitation to give her our help or through German operations extending into Siberian territory. Is this outline sufficiently accurate to justify publication? I am moved to submit the question to you because of the permission you gave me to send a note to you whenever I needed direction. Further, Senator King, of Utah, who had a talk with you about the situation, discussed it with me in detail but I did not wish to use it unless it met with your approval. Of course, I need not say to you that I shall make no reference to you as the source of authority. I congratulate you on the Foch appointment. As The World said this morning it was due very largely to your urging that the unified command, so essential to our success, has come about.
Swope