Colonel House to Woodrow Wilson

The Prime Minister returned Tuesday. He made an engagement with me for a conference on Wednesday. Northcliffe who had just arrived from America asked him when he was to see me. He replied "tomorrow". Northcliffe said "Sit down and write Colonel House the most cordial invitation you know how to dine with you tonight alone".

This invitation came promptly and I spent the evening with him. It had been impossible to do anything along specific lines until he returned since no one else had the authority. This, however, was true only as far as my work was concerned. The other members of the Mission immediately got in touch with the several departments corresponding with their own.

The Lord Chief Justice, Northcliffe and Wiseman are working cordially with me to force action upon important questions. Northcliffe and Reading of course are the Prime Minister's closest friends, but they realize his weaknesses. Northcliffe has been splendid. He holds a club over the P. M. and threatens to use it unless he does as desired. Since Northcliffe has returned, the Prime Minister has repeated offered him a seat in the Cabinet which he has refused. Wiseman heard him tell George that he did not propose to relinquish the right to criticize when he thought it necessary.

We are using Reading to button things up after decisions are made. With this combination of Wiseman, Reading and Northcliffe, things are now being accomplished with more rapidity than I have ever experienced here.

The Prime Minister came to see me yesterday to urge that I consent to a postponement of the Paris Conference. I had told Wiseman and Reading that it must be held on schedule. Although I knew that this could not be done, still I did not want the P. M. to think that they could delay it indefinitely.

This postponement will not change our home-coming which I have set for December 5th, 6th, or 7th from some port in France. I found that it would be impossible to do the things necessary and have the Commission finish their work before that date.

I cannot tell you how splendidly and cordially the Commission are working together, and what a fine impression they have made here.