William G. Wiseman to Colonel House

No. 747
London, August 12, 1917.

I have now seen most people of importance including the King, Premier, Chancellor of Exchequer. I found general feeling that Spring-Rice has proved unsatisfactory and therefore the tendancy is to support Northcliffe. They do not realize that a man of his temperament is always dangerous.

British Government understands, though reluctant to admit, the most powerful position of the United States Government. British Government trusts the President and will give him all information willingly but certainly did not understand the necessity of keeping him frankly informed, of their weakness as well as strength.

Lloyd-George is anxious to write periodically to the President through you. Lloyd-George is also considering the possibility of visiting America in the Autumn. Some people feel that Northcliffe should be Ambassador, but I have opposed this idea and have suggested Spring-Rice should be called here for conference and his next man left in charge, and that Lord Reading should be sent at once as Financial Representative.

British Government is not strengthened by trouble over the cable was unintelligible at this point. He probably refers to the trouble with Henderson over the Stockholm conference

William Wiseman.