Paris Peace Conf. 840.48/8a: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
142. For Secretary of the Treasury. Referring to 127 of January 1st to you from the President. The American Commissioners are deeply concerned over the chaotic political conditions in the Central Empires and the progress toward anarchism or at least communism. The peril to Western Europe if Bolshevism prevails in Central Europe is very real. It can only be met by aid from outside in relieving the food and economic situation. It is now exclusively a practical question of reestablishing sane governments capable of resisting the advance of Bolshevism from Russia and thus forming a bulwark to protect the west from coming into open conflict with the elements which frankly declare themselves enemies of all existing governments.
We cannot too strongly urge the action proposed by the President in his telegram or the vital importance of immediate action. Delay may be fatal if the authorization to use funds comes too late. This telegram is for your personal and confidential information solely.