Inquiry files
Professor C. H. Haskins to Mr. H. Nelson Gay
My Dear Gay: You may have seen in the newspapers some mention of the fact that the Government of the United States has undertaken, under the general direction of Colonel House, a systematic collection of information for the use of the American delegates at the Peace Conference. Having recently been made chairman of the Research Committee which has charge of the collection of a large section of this material, I am desirous of having our equipment strengthened on the side of Italy. Elaborate special studies are in preparation on the linguistic and other questions connected with the Italian-Austrian frontier, and Italian interests will also come in for consideration in connection with the special studies on Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. It would, however, be of advantage if we could have at our disposal a rather full statement of the general questions which will concern Italy at the Peace Conference, the statement to be prepared by one who is fully informed of existing conditions and at the same time able to regard them objectively. You are obviously indicated as the only person qualified to prepare a statement of this kind, and we should be very grateful if you would undertake it. It could be made as full as you choose, taking up the matter under various headings in the form of an analysis of the situation and the pros and cons of the different problems, whether political, economic, or military, which will concern Italy [Page 107] at the Peace Conference. The material will be welcomed as soon as possible, say before the end of November. If you would prefer to send a series of statements as each is ready, this would be equally welcome.23
I hope very much that you can arrange to undertake this. All such matters are naturally highly confidential, and your report should be directed through the embassy pouch to the Inquiry, 3755 Broadway, New York City.
I am slow in acknowledging various pamphlets which you have sent me concerning war matters. I have also read with interest your letter to the Harvard Library concerning the building up of an American collection in Rome. I trust you have had a good summer.
Ever sincerely yours,