Paris Peace Conf. 840.48/11: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
203. For Senator Lodge from Mr. Henry White. Feel I should no longer delay laying before you condition which has been gradually forcing itself upon our Delegation and which now dominates entire European situation above all else; namely; steady westward advance of Bolshevism. It now completely controls Russia and Poland and is spreading through Germany. Only effective barrier now apparently possible against it is food relief, as Bolshevism thrives only on starvation and disorder. Consensus of opinion is that joint military occupation which has been suggested by France for Poland, even if practical would not solve problem. Confidentially Paderewski has sent us a most urgent appeal for assistance in Poland where conditions he says are desperate. I consider it therefore of utmost importance that President’s request for hundred million appropriation for relief be granted at once. Impossible to inaugurate Peace Conference under proper auspices without previous adequate provision to cope with situation. Aside from stoppage of Bolshevism, I understand there is in United States considerable surplus of food accumulated at high prices maintenance whereof guaranteed by our government or assurance under its auspices and that it is necessary to dispose of this surplus in order to relieve warehouse and financial facilities as well as prevent serious fall in prices with radical break in market which would cost our country more than the appropriation asked for. The appropriation is not for the purpose of advancing money to Germany which will pay on a cash basis for any food sent there. It is too late I fear to stop Bolshevism in Russia and Poland, but there is still hope of making Germany, Roumania and certain other areas effective barriers. Allies are already furnishing relief to liberated territories and are disposed to assist otherwise to extent of their available resources but most of the food must come from United States. I cannot too strongly impress upon you urgency of meeting [Page 712] situation herein described. Please communicate this to John Rogers, Gillett and Root68 as a confidential message from me and of course you are welcome to do so to any of your colleagues to whom you think it will be interesting, also in confidence. Henry White.
- John Jacob Rogers and Frederick Huntington Gillett, Congressmen from Massachusetts, and Elihu Root, Secretary of State from 1905 to 1909.↩