[Sailor Steve]

January 21, 1919


PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 3

1030: This morning's meeting is again held at Stephen Pichon's office hotel suite. More testimony is given concerning the situation in Russia, this time by former Danish Foreign Minister Erik Scavenius.

Scavenius states that the Bolshevik takeover was supported by the soldiers, who are no longer soldiers but peasants, and that they are neither Monarchists or Socialists. The Bolsheviks are now supported by the Red Army, which consists of Letts, Hungarians, Germans and Chinese. He testifies that there are 20,000 to 30,000 Chinese in that army. He estimates the total size of the Red Army as around 300,000 men. He doesn't think they would be of much use against a trained foreign army, but they are excellent in keeping unarmed Russian civilians in line.

Since any attempt at force against the Bolsheviks would likely be used as propaganda, stating the Allies wanted to destroy Russia, Baron Sonnino and President Wilson propose treating the Bolsheviks as a legitimate government and giving them access to the Peace Conference as the proper representatives of Russia. M Clemenceau says he is against this in principle, but that sometimes it is necessary to deal with criminals at their own level and since the Allies must appear to be unanimous on everything he was ready to accept Wilson's proposal. The Japanese delegate, Baron Makino, agrees with the rest.

2. The appointment of committees to manage the League of Nations question is discussed.

3. The question of sending the Polish Legion to Poland with the French army is raised. It is decided that this will be discussed at a future meeting which will include Marshal Foch.

4. Mr Balfour suggests that a committee be appointed immediately to discuss the disarmament of Germany. President Wilson suggests that this be postponed until all the delegates can compare their opinions on the subject.

1500: The second meeting of the day is again held in M Pichon's suite.

1. The Russian question is further discussed. President Wilson suggests that all the representatives of various Russian views should meet somewhere else, possibly Salonika. Baron Sonnino points out that some Russian representatives are already in Paris, and asks why they should not be heard. President Wilson replies that he feels all the parties should be heard together at the same time. Mr Balfour says that this may not be possible, and that representatives already in Paris should be heard now. Baron Sonnino replies that there are some representative from every party in Paris already, except the Soviets, whom they do not wish to hear. Mr Lloyd George points out that the Soviets are the very people that some of them do wish to hear. Baron Sonnino says that the Allies are at this moment fighting against the Bolsheviks, which makes them enemies.

Mr Lloyd George points out that this would mean they would hear from a long string of people all saying the same thing, but would not hear from the people actually controlling Russia at this time. He then points out that while not changing their opinions the Bolsheviks were trying to change their methods, and would likely wish to make peace with the Allies. He then asked what kind of army the other Allies would be willing to raise in order to fight the Bolsheviks. M Clemenceau and Mr Wilson both replied that they would not be willing to send any men to Russia; that was a purely British idea. Signor Orlando said that he agreed, Italy would also send no troops to Russia. Mr Lloyd George and Mr Balfour eventually agree to follow Mr Wilson's lead and try to have a discussion with the Bolsheviks.

2. M Clemenceau again raises the question of assigning duties to the various delegates. Mr Lloyd George states that organizing the League of Nations should take primary importance. Mr Wilson points out that he has already drafted a Constitution for the League. Mr Balfour proposes that Mr Wilson's draft be submitted for discussion. It is agreed that this will be further considered at the next meeting.

3. M Pichon again brings up the Poland question, and it is agreed that this will be discussed at the next meeting.

4. Mr Balfour brings up the urgency of the German disarmament question, and it is agreed that he should set about organizing a committee to address this problem.

Born this day:

Eugenia "Jinx" Falkenburg, American actress and cover-girl model, is born in Barcelona, Spain. She and husband Tex McCrary helped pioneer the radio talk-show format (died 2003).

Died this day:

Gojong, Emperor of Korea, known as the Gwangmu Emperor (born July 25, 1852)