William G. McAdoo to Woodrow Wilson

I think the whole weight of the American Government should be thrown firmly and strongly in favor of the creation of the Inter-Allied Conference to consider military operations in Europe and coordinate the resources of the Allied Governments in the conduct of the war. The Inter-Allied Council I proposed for the determination of the needs and priorities of the various Allied Governments as a basis for credit to be extended to them in the United States does not, of course, go far enough, and was not intended to comprehend the major problem.

Unless we get a more effective leadership and a more effective use of the combined resources of the principal Allied Governments and of the United States, I am sure that the value of our aid will be very greatly diminished, if not entirely negatived. I believe we are facing the time when America must take the responsibilities of leadership. We alone have the power to impose our decisions upon the Allies, first, because we control the essential resources for the conduct of the war, and secondly, because we have no selfish purpose in view, and, therefore, our decisions will be regarded as impartial. The responsibilities of American leadership are very graveI realize that fullybut, on the other hand, I think the responsibilities of a failure on our part to take that leadership are even graver.

I respectfully suggest this for your consideration.