Eric Drummond to Colonel House

Part of letter from Sir Eric Drummond to E. M. H.

"The visit to the United States really has done Mr. Balfour good physically, and he is much less tired than when he started from here. I need not tell you how happy he was in your country nor how much he appreciated the pleasure of seeing you again.

I would like further to say that he formed a very great personal regard and admiration for the President, and I especially wish to do this because of an untrue story which is being spread through London and may reach the ears of some of your fellow countrymen, to the effect that since Mr. Balfour's return he has spoken disparagingly of the President. The story is an absolute lie and its circulation, which may have come from not altogether disinterested sources, has given Mr. Balfour pain and anxiety. I therefore thought it well for you to know the facts. You know how well the two men got on together and I think I may say how mutual their respect for each other was. This only makes the story more unpardonable."