Colonel House to Woodrow Wilson

I am sorry that Northcliffe is coming. I thought Balfour's cable had headed him off.Wiseman did not dare communicate with his Government during Balfour's absence. We framed a cable together which was to reach him upon his arrival, but the Northcliffe faction in the Government evidently wanted to act upon it before Balfour arrived and could stop it.
In Balfour's cable, he urged that they ascertain your wishes either through Page or through me. They concluded to use Page since he was more convenient. Wiseman tells me that Page approved his coming and thought he would be acceptable to you.
There are two factions in the British Cabinet. With Balfour away the Northcliffe faction dominates. With Balfour there, he is generally able to control. Lloyd George is more or less neutral– inclining, however, towards the Northcliffe crowd. I hope this does not result in Balfour's resignation. It is to be remembered that Northcliffe comes apparently with your approval and of course expects to be cordially received. I am afraid his visit may stir up the anti-British feeling here that at present is lying dormant.Magnolia, Mass.June 7, 1917.