Frederick B. Lynch to Woodrow Wilson

Colonel H. J. Johannet, the Comptroller of the War Department of the French Government, called me up Monday and informed me that he had a government cable from France stating that the offensive on the western frontier was progressing faster and better than had been expected; that in consequence of that, France was short of transportation facilities and urgently needed for immediate service ten thousand cavalry horses and two thousand transport mules, and asking if these animals could be procured from the United States Government from those which are now in Texas.
This Government has now about forty-five thousand of these animals in the depot in Texas, which are not being used at the present time. Allowing the purchase of these animals for France would mean that about three months time would be saved in their training.
I put the proposition up to the Secretary of War today. He tells me that he will consult with General Scott and give me an answer tomorrow. I just want to say that I think the allowing of this purchase would be of very great service to France at this time.

Sincerely yours,

The President,
The White House.