Colonel House to Woodrow Wilson

I want to congratulate you upon the success of your message to Russia. It well deserves the praise it is getting throughout the world. I hope you will cover the tender spots as well in your Flag Day speech. What you are saying is having a profound influence everywhere, including Germany.-----------------------J. K. Ohl of the New York Herald writes that George Bronson Rea, proprietor of the Far Eastern Review published in Peking has written you a letter which he hopes you will find time to read.----------------------I had a long talk with Wiseman over the telephone yesterday about Northcliffe. Northcliffe was not received by any of the staff of the British Embassy and he was angry beyond words. He told Wiseman that he had been offered the Ambassadorship but had declined it.
His Government requested him to get in touch with Sir William upon his arrival and suggested that he be guided by him. This Northcliffe seems willing to do.
Following Wiseman's counsel, he has given up the idea of opening offices in New York and will probably make his headquarters in Washington. The British Government have given him the widest possible powers and it would therefore seem necessary to give him proper consideration.
At my suggestion, Wiseman is advising him not to talk through the press and not to attempt to force his opinions upon our people. Sir William's purpose is to keep him away from the Wall Street influence, and to bring him in close touch with Administrative circles. If he followss this course his visit will probably be of service.Northcliffe and Andre Tardieu are great friends. While Sir William was with Northcliffe yesterday, Hearst sent a representative to the hotel. Northcliffe refused to see the representative and sent word to Hearst to come himself if he desiresd. In the event he comes Northcliffe indicated his intention of telling him some home truths which may be good for his soul.Northcliffe will ask for an interview through the Embassy.Magnolia, Massachusetts.June 12, 1917.