Woodrow Wilson as I Know Him Part 45

_Cablegram_

The White House, Washington, March 28, 1919.

PRESIDENT WILSON, Paris.

Stories here this morning that amendment for Monroe Doctrine and racial discrimination to be excluded from covenant causing a great deal of uneasiness.

TUMULTY.

_Cablegram_

The White House, Washington, March 30, 1919.

PRESIDENT WILSON, Paris.

In an editorial ent.i.tled _Treat or Fight_, Springfield _Republican_ says: _Quote_ It is plain that the Allies dare not commit themselves to an avowed war on the soviets and that it is not possible for the Allies with the world in its present temper to take the position that the existence of the soviet form of government in any country const.i.tutes a casus belli; that the world would recoil from the proposal to begin a new series of war with so dubious an object; that Russia should be left to manage her own affairs _End Quote_. Editorial disagreed with policy of French Government towards Russia and soviets. Calls attention to disastrous results of foreign intervention during French Revolution, Editorial further says: _Quote_ Impossible to fight revolution in one place and be at peace elsewhere. If Allies mean to fight Hungary because it has set up a soviet form of government and allied itself to Russia they will have to fight Russia. If they fight Russia they will have to fight the Ukraine. Such a war would mean the end of the League of Nations. It is plain that the Allies dare not commit themselves to an avowed war on the Soviets _End Quote_.

TUMULTY.

_Cablegram_

The White House, Washington, March 30, 1919.

PRESIDENT WILSON, Paris.

Dispatches from Simonds and others prove stories of weeks ago were most optimistic now touched with deep pessimism. Simonds in article on Sat.u.r.day says: Quote No common objective in council; no dominating influence; drifting, etc. End Quote. I fear your real position in council not understood here and that lack of publicity strengthening many false impressions. The responsibility attaching to those a.s.sociated with you, including France and England, when they accepted Fourteen Points evidently lost sight of by them. Do not know what your real situation is, but it appears to me that Germany is not prepared to accept the kind of peace which is about to be offered, or if she does accept, with its burdensome conditions, it means the spread of bolshevism throughout Germany and central Europe. It seems to me that you ought in some way to rea.s.sert your leadership publicly. I know the danger, but you cannot escape responsibility unless you do so. Now is the moment in my opinion to strike for a settlement permanent and lasting.

TUMULTY.

_Cablegram_

The White House, Washington, 2 April, 1919.

PRESIDENT WILSON, Paris.

The proposed recognition of Lenine has caused consternation here.

TUMULTY.

_Cablegram--Paris._

Received at White House, Washington, April 4, 1919.

TUMULTY, White House, Washington.

Am still confident that President will win. Encountering difficulties; situation serious. President is the hope of the world more than ever, and with his courage, wisdom, and force he will lead the way. Have you any suggestions as to publicity or otherwise?

GRAYSON.

_Cablegram--Paris._

Received at White House, Washington, April 4, 1919.

TUMULTY, White House, Washington.

The President took very severe cold last night; confined to bed. Do not worry; will keep you advised.

GRAYSON.

_Cablegram--Paris._

Received at White House, Washington, April 5, 1919.

TUMULTY, White House, Washington.

We are naturally disappointed at progress being made but not discouraged.

Hopeful everything will turn out all right. Will advise you if anything definite develops. The President is better this morning but confined to bed. No cause for worry.

GRAYSON.

_Cablegram--Paris._

Received at White House, Washington, April 5, 1919.

GRAYSON, % President Wilson, Paris.

In my opinion the President must in some dramatic way clear the air of doubts and misunderstandings and despair which now pervade the whole world situation. He must take hold of the situation with both hands and shake it out of its present indecision, or political sabotage and scheming will triumph. Only a bold stroke by the President will save Europe and perhaps the world. That stroke must be made regardless of the cries and admonitions of his friendly advisers. He has tried to settle the issue in secret; only publicity of a dramatic kind now can save the situation. This occasion calls for that audacity which has helped him win in every fight.

TUMULTY.

_Cablegram--Paris._