Colonel House to Woodrow Wilson

I foresee trouble in the workings of the Supreme War Council. There is a tremendous opposition in England to Lloyd George's appointment of General Wilson. Neither Sir William Robertson, Chief of Staff, nor Sir Douglas Haig have any confidence in him, and they and their friends look upon it as a move to put Wilson in supreme command.

The enemies of Lloyd George and the friends of Robertson and Haig believe that George wants to rid himself of these Generals and supercede them with Wilson. They claim that Wilson is not a great general but is a politician and one that will be to George's liking.

Some of the French want a "Generalissimo" but they want him to be a Frenchman. This, too, would meet with so much opposition in England that it is not to be thought of. Any government that proposed it would be overthrown.

I have had long conferences with Bliss and Pershing on the subject and I think they see the danger as I do. I am trying to suggest something else which will give unity of control by uniting all involved rather than creating dissension.
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Later.
I have just had a conference alone with Clemenceau. Without my saying a word upon the subject he practically repeated the opinion that I have expressed to you above concerning the Supreme War Council. He is earnestly in favor of unity of plan and action, but he thinks as I do that the plan of Lloyd George is not workable, and for reasons somewhat similar to those I have given.

He has nothing in mind and says that he dares not formulate a plan because it might be looked upon with suspicion. He wants us to take the initiative and he promises that we can count upon him to back to a finish any reasonable suggestion that we make.

He thoroughly approves my insistence that we work instead of accepting invitations to eat and drink and says that he refuses everything himself. He is not going to the very large luncheon given by the President tomorrow which I did not feel at liberty to upset because all arrangements were made, invitations out etc. before we arrived last night. He applauded when I told him it was my last.

I like him very much. He has put his time at my disposal and asks me to come at my pleasure unannounced and says the door will always be open.

Affectionately yours,
EM House

Hotel de Crillon, Paris.