[Sailor Steve]

January 22, 1919


PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE
Day 4

1100: This morning's meeting is again held in M Pichon's hotel suite.

1. With Marshall Foch in attendance the Polish matter is the topic of discussion. It is generally believed the best thing is to remove the Polish army from French control and send them to Danzig to protect against possible Bolshevist attacks. When M Orlando mentions Polish troops then in Italy, Marshall Foch replies that with the combined power in France and Italy it might be possible to raise as many as four full divisions of Polish troops. The Poles say that the Germans hold Danzig, and would not allow Polish troops to land there. It is decided that the troops should take the southern railway to get to Russian Poland only, and Marshall Foch estimates one month to complete the operation and have the troops in place.

Mr Balfour points out that the Poles want more than just Russian Poland, but that Danzig is comprised mostly of Germans who do not want to be part of Poland. President Wilson shares his doubts about all this, and states that he believes the Allies should support Polish occupation of Russian Poland only. His reasoning is that "If you have to take a thing by force, the inference is that it does not belong to you". Further, Polish Prime Minister Paderewski has stated that he doesn't need Allied troops, just arms and ammunition. Mr Lloyd George points out that the Romanians are in a similar situation but have not asked for help. President Wilson replies that Mr Paderewski has asked for help specifically for Eastern Poland, and doesn't mention Danzig in his telegrams. Lloyd George says that the Poles are not united, and Paderewski might not be able to maintain order or control once things get started. Wilson urges caution in dealing with this matter.

The last discussion of the morning meeting concerns British sea support for Poland. It is decided that discussions must wait until the British delegates can consult with London over the matter.


1515: The afternoon meeting is again held in M Pichon's suite.

1. The question of how to deal with the Russians is again raised. A proclamation written by President Wilson is read and adopted, saying that the Allies support the Revolution, will in no way interfere with internal Russian matters, and will respect whatever Russian government comes out of the current strife.

2. Mr Lloyd George presents a preliminary draft of resolutions for a League of Nations. It is mainly concerned with preparing a Constitution for that Body. Baron Makino gives the Japanese view of the League, but when asked if these opinions can be made public replies that he prefer they remain private. President Wilson points out that Lloyd George's draft contains nothing new, so Japan's feelings on the subject should be known to all involved. Mr Lloyd George inquires as to whether Japan wishes to not be represented on the League committee. Baron Makino replies that, to the contrary, Japan does wish to be represented. He further states that Japan agrees to most of the points, but would like to be able to adjust their views when further developments warrant it.

Mr Lloyd George proposes that two delegates from each nation be appointed to the League Drafting Committee. President Wilson suggests that the drafting committee only involve delegates from the Great Powers, with the smaller countries sending delegates to a "Criticizing Committee" to approve or reject the Drafting Committee's proposals. Mr Lloyd George then suggests that the Great Powers form the Drafting Committee, but then invite Lesser Powers of their choosing to join. President Wilson counters with the idea that, rather than allow delegates from the Lesser Powers, the Drafting Committee call in the best minds from those nations to advise and consult on the proposals of the Drafting Committee. M Clemenceau points out that, while the Lesser Powers would likely contribute nothing more than following the lead of the Great Powers, it was nevertheless necessary that the Lesser Powers see themselves as contributors and not just bystanders. He proposes that the Lesser Powers consult among themselves and between them select five delegates to sit on the Drafting Committee. M Sonnino points out that each of the more important Small Powers will want a delegate of their own, which will already total more than five. He suggests a larger committee. President Wilson objects that the Committee would be to unwieldly to get anything done. He proposes that the Drafting Committee remain small, but as soon as any draft is prepared it be immediately shown to all the Lesser Powers for consultation and approval or rejection. Mr Lloyd George states that the Smaller Powers are already complaining about being excluded from the current proceedings. He further points out that a draft of sorts has already been created, so a larger Committee should be able to handle it fairly quickly. M Clemenceau states that this discussion and its resolutions should be presented to the full Peace Conference this coming Saturday.

3. Mr Lloyd George proposes a Labour Committee to be comprised of two representatives from each of the five Great Powers and five representatives total from the Lesser Powers be formed to discuss industrial relations between the nations. President Wilson suggest that a note be placed in the resolution to make it absolutely clear that the documents drafted by this committee have nothing to do with the League of Nations. It is agreed and Mr Lloyd George says he will write a new draft including the statement.

4. Mr Lloyd George proposes a committee be created consisting of three representatives from each of the Major Powers plus Belgium and Serbia, to discuss the indemnity to be paid by the Central Powers nations. President Wilson suggests that the word "indemnity" be dropped in favor of "reparation". Mr Lloyd George agrees. M Pichon points out that Greece has been excluded from representation. Mr Balfour does the same for Russian Poland. M Sonnino mentions Romania. President Wilson suggests that Belgium, Greece, Poland and Romania be given two representatives each. M Pichon suggests that Greater Poland also be included. It is agreed that Mr Lloyd George will prepare a new draft to be presented at the next meeting.