Cary T. Grayson Diary

Cary T. Grayson Diary

Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938

WWP17151

1919 April 30

Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia

English

The President had breakfast at 8:15 o’clock, and then went to his study where he remained until his meeting with the Big Three at 11:00 o’clock. Among other things the question was taken up of the verification of the credentials of the German delegates who have arrived at Versailles. The important proposition was to what extent these delegates could represent Bavaria in the negotiations. Bavaria occupies a peculiar position in the German Empire in that she never surrendered her own territorial rights and in all treaties that heretofore have been made Bavaria has been integrally a distinct part. The question of what should be done in case it was determined that the delegates could not act for Bavaria was gone into in detail, and it was finally decided that the Credentials Committee of the Allies, which is headed by M. Jules Cambon, should put the question direct to the Germans when they met to exchange credentials. Should it be discovered that Bavaria must be separately represented it was decided that an invitation would be sent to the government in control at Munich to be represented at the Treaty Conference.

After lunch the President went to his study. Noticing that he was very much fatigued I went to him and asked him if I could not order the car for him so that could go for a ride with Mrs. Wilson through the Bois before the four o’clock meeting -- to which he consented. He said: “I am sure to fall asleep as soon as I get into the motor, for last night I could not sleep -- my mind was so full of the Japanese-Chinese controversy. But it was settled this morning, and while it is not to me a satisfactory settlement, I suppose it could be called an “even break.” It is the best that could be accomplished out of a “dirty past.” You know, England, and now I find out also France, had a secret treaty with Japan. I succeeded with much difficulty in getting the Japanese to agree to material concessions.” The President gave me a statement to deliver to Ray Stannard Baker, the publicity representative of the Peace Commission, to take from the essential facts for the guidance of the newspapers. This was not to be used as an official statement. It was as follows:

The Japanese-Chinese matter has been settled in a way which seems to me as satisfactory as could be got out of the tangle of treaties in which China herself was involved, and it is important that the exact facts should be known. I therefore send you the following for public use at such time as the matter may come under public discussion. In the treaty all the rights at Kiao-Chow Chou and in Shantung Province belonging to Germany are to be transferred without reservation to Japan, but Japan voluntarily engages, in answer to questions put in conference, that it will be her immediate policy “to hand back the Shantung Peninsula in full sovereignty to China, retaining only the economic privileges granted to Germany and the right to establish a settlement under the usual conditions at Tsingtao. Owners of the railway will use special police only to insure security for traffic. They will be used for no other purpose. The police force will be composed of Chinese, and such Japanese instructors as the directors of the railway may select will be appointed by the Chinese Government.” It was understood in addition that inasmuch as the sovereign rights receded to China were to be unqualified, all Japanese troops remaining on the peninsula should be withdrawn at the earliest possible time. Japan thus gets only such rights as an economic concessionairCe as are possessed by one or two other great powers and are only too common in China, and the whole future relationship between the two countries falls at once under the guarantee of the League of Nations of territorial integrity and political independence. I find a general disposition to look with favor upon the proposal that at an early date through the mediation of the League of Nations all extraordinary foreign rights in China and all spheres of influence should be abrogated by the common consent of all the nations concerned. I regard the assurances given by Japan as very satisfactory in view of the complicated circumstances.

The President then went for a motor ride, accompanied by Mrs. Wilson, through the Bois, returning in time for the four o’clock meeting with the Big Three.

The President made a strong plea to Lloyd-George and Clemenceau this afternoon to permit the newspapermen to be present at the conference at Versailles when the treaty is laid before the German delegates. Clemenceau objected strenuously to it. He said: “It would be undignified to have a large body of people looking on.” He would not stand for it -- Lloyd-George sided with him. The President said that he was very much surprised at their attitude; that he thought it was unjust and unfair not to allow at least a limited number of representatives of the press to be present.

The Big Three also discussed Alsace-Lorraine.

Referring to the Labor Holiday tomorrow, the President said to Clemenceau: “I propose that we have a meeting here tomorrow -- or do you prefer to stay indoors: I want enlightenment as to the procedure on your holidays. I have heard different versions.” Clemenceau said: “Oh, no, the Socialists like you. You are very popular with them.” “He said it in a vein as if he didn’t like it,” the President said, “and as if he were piqued at my popularity with the working people.

The President and Mrs. Wilson and I had dinner. After dinner I showed him a lot of cartoons of himself, which I had gotten in a bookstore this afternoon. Some of them were very amusing. He laughed at them heartily.

Diary