Cary T. Grayson Diary

Cary T. Grayson Diary

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

WWP17183

1919 June 1

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

English

I persuaded the President in view of the fact that he had been working very hard to rest most of the day. He did not arise until after eleven o’clock and remained in the house until mid-afternoon, when he went for a long ride that carried us, through Versailles and St. Germain, to Mantes.

I suggested to the President today that it might be well for him to see Mr. Balfour. I said: “It is a pity that you two men do not see more of each other, because you have so many things in common, and it would be such a treat for you both to enjoy each other’s company. You have told me what you think of Mr. Balfour, and from numerous conversations with him I know what his impressions are of you. He thinks that you are the equal, if not superior - I am quite sure superior - of any intellect he has ever come in contact with. This means a great deal because Mr. Balfour was closely associated with the leading minds of Great Britain all the way back to Gladstone. He is a student of great men. He has put you up on a pedestal practically alone, and I think it is too bad that you cannot find more time to enjoy each other’s company. It is difficult for him to invite you to come to him, but you can easily invite him when you have the time. He would love to come informally, on very short notice, to lunch or for a cup of tea or after dinner whenever it is convenient to you. It seems to me that there is so little to hinder this when he only lives across the street from you, and it is an alley at that. Speaking seriously, it is a great intellectual treat for me to hear you and Mr. Balfour discuss men and things. You will recall that you had him for lunch here alone sometime ago. I could see that it was as treat for you both, and as for myself it was a memorable occasion. You cannot realize what it would mean to the world if they could know what noble thoughts and fine expressions were exchanged between you two, not only on world affairs but on matters of lesser interest. I know you would love to have him, and that it is a question of diffidence with you and lack of time that prevents you from inviting in people whom you like and admire.” The President agreed and said that as soon as Mrs. Wilson fully recovers he would ask Mr. Balfour over to luncheon. The President continues to fdine by the side of Mrs. Wilson while she is confined to bed.

The British Cabinet held a three hours’ session during the afternoon, at which it was decided to suggest that changes be made in the treaty along the lines suggested by the liberal and labor element. The situation now presented was most unique. The British had changed front completely, and today were doing their best to get the very things that they had prevented the President from incorporating into the treaty of peace as long ago as last March. Practically that entire month was wasted, the President fighting hard and fast to secure a treaty of peace that would be of such a nature that while Germany was punished for her past crimes she was still allowed to retain her place in the concert of nations. However, Lloyd George and Clemenceau not only talked the President out of the whole thing but forced him to make material concessions to meet their point of view, while at the same time retaining his principles in general. The President really has been put in the position of mediator or umpire between France and Great Britain, but he is not permitting himself to be lead led into a trap, and he has made it very plain that any changes that are made in the treaty must be made on agreement between England and France.

The President retired early after having dinner with Mrs. Wilson in her room.

Diary