Office of the Historian

Paris Peace Conference 180.03401/26

Notes of a Meeting held at President Wilson’s House in the Place des Etats-Unis, Paris, on Friday, May 23rd, 1919, at 11 a.m.

Paris, May 23, 1919, 11 a.m.
[Extracts]

C. F. 26

  • Present.—United States of America. President Wilson.—British Empire. The Rt. Hon. D. Lloyd George, M.P.—France. M. Clemenceau.—Italy. H. E. M. Orlando.
Sir Maurice Hankey, K.C.B. } Secretaries
Count Aldrovandi.
Prof. P. J. Mantoux. Interpreter

. . . . . . .

Russia

3. M. Clemenceau said he had reason to believe that the Japanese Government were about to propose to the Allied and Associated Governments the recognition of the Omsk Government. He thought that these Governments ought to anticipate them. He did not like to leave it to Japan to take the initiative.

[Page 355]

President Wilson asked whether it was proposed to recognise this Government as representing all Russia, or merely as a local Government.

M. Clemenceau replied as representing all Russia.

President Wilson said he could not do that.

Mr. Lloyd George said he also was opposed to that. Mr. Kerr’s draft despatch to the Russian de facto Government was ready, and he thought that it ought at once to be considered.

(It was agreed:

To discuss Mr. Kerr’s draft letter in the afternoon.)

. . . . . . .