Woodrow Wilson to Frank L. Polk
Title
Woodrow Wilson to Frank L. Polk
Creator
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Identifier
WWP25524
Date
1918 November 22
Description
Send a coded message to Colonel House.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Paris Peace Conference (1919-1920)
House, Edward Mandell, 1858-1938
World War, 1914-1918--United States
Contributor
Danna Faulds
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
CONFIDENTIAL
My dear Mr. Counselor:
I would be very much obliged if you would have the following cable sent to Mr. House in Paris, in the code which the Department has been using in communicating with him:
“It seems to me that we are justified in insisting on five delegates. It would be extremely embarrassing to us to have fewer than five. I do not understand that any government can be arbitrarily limited, except by agreement. I think also with you that we are entirely justified in insisting upon the English language being officially sanctioned and used at the conference as well as French. The limitation to French would greatly embarrass us, if only in the matter of constant translation, for which we haven’t a suitable confidential force. You will remember that English is the diplomatic language of the Pacific. I would be very much obliged if you would cable whether it would be necessary or wise for us to bring any domestic servants with us. We are exceedingly distressed by the news of your illness and beg that you will take extra good care of yourself. We all unite in affectionate messages.”
Faithfully yours,
[Woodrow Wilson]
Hon. Frank L. Polk,
Counselor of the Department of State.
My dear Mr. Counselor:
I would be very much obliged if you would have the following cable sent to Mr. House in Paris, in the code which the Department has been using in communicating with him:
“It seems to me that we are justified in insisting on five delegates. It would be extremely embarrassing to us to have fewer than five. I do not understand that any government can be arbitrarily limited, except by agreement. I think also with you that we are entirely justified in insisting upon the English language being officially sanctioned and used at the conference as well as French. The limitation to French would greatly embarrass us, if only in the matter of constant translation, for which we haven’t a suitable confidential force. You will remember that English is the diplomatic language of the Pacific. I would be very much obliged if you would cable whether it would be necessary or wise for us to bring any domestic servants with us. We are exceedingly distressed by the news of your illness and beg that you will take extra good care of yourself. We all unite in affectionate messages.”
Faithfully yours,
[Woodrow Wilson]
Hon. Frank L. Polk,
Counselor of the Department of State.
Original Format
Letter
To
Polk, Frank L. (Frank Lyon), 1871-1943
Collection
Citation
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924, “Woodrow Wilson to Frank L. Polk,” 1918 November 22, WWP25524, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.