William G. McAdoo to Woodrow Wilson

PERSONAL

Dear Mr. President
Referring to the proposed Russian Commission, I feel certain that Mr. Root is the right man to head this Commission, and that his appointment would be highly regarded by the entire country. I am assuming, of course, that he is in full sympathy with our plans and that this would be verified before the matter is broached to him.

Messrs. Charles R. Crane, Cyrus McCormick, and S. R. Bertron would make excellent members.Mr. Eugene Meyer Jr. of New York City is a prominent Hebrew of strong pro-Ally sympathies and of French descent. He speaks French fluently and is a business man and banker of unusual ability, and Mr. Justice Brandeis thinks he would prove one of the most useful men you could send to Russia. Mr. Brandeis says that Mr. Meyer has great influence with the Russian Jews outside of the socialist element. Mr. Meyer is a Republican.
For a railroad man I think A. H. Smith, President of the New York Central Railroad is one of the best men you could choose. I have known Smith for fifteen years. He has risen from track hand to the presidency of this great system, is a man of great energy and capacity and knows the operating side of railroad problems from the ground up. His prestige as the head of one of the greatest railroad systems in America would be very helpful in the work he would be expected to do in Russia. I do not know whether he could be secured or not. If you could get him I am sure that you could depend upon his loyalty and full co-operation. Smith is also a Republican. If you should select these men the Commission would be composed equally of Republicans and Democrats.
I think you might well consider making the Commission larger by adding to it representatives of the Army and Navy. The larger number is to my mind more to be desired than the smaller. Of course, a representative socialist in full sympathy with our programme, if he could be found, would be highly desirable.

Affectionately yours,
WG McAdoo


The President,
The White House.