March 9, 1919

While the President was in America and House was taking his place at the meetings of the Supreme Council on March 7, Lloyd George and Clemenceau formally raised the question of the future of Armenia and the disposition of the Rhinelands. House made immediately a report by cable to the President in Washington. He said: “In discussing the dismemberment of the Turkish Empire both George and Clemenceau expressed the wish that we accept mandates for Armenia and for Constantinople.”

In his cabled reply, the President instructed House as follows: “I hope you will not even provisionally consent to the separation of the Rhenish Provinces from Germany under any arrangement but will reserve the whole matter until my arrival.”

There was not a word about Armenia, which seemed ominous to me. It was clear that House could do nothing until the President returned or until explicit instructions came. It was equally clear, however, that, rightly or wrongly, both the French and the British expect the initiative in the Armenian settlement to be taken by him. Of course, the President went very far in this matter in the Fourteen Points, so far that I do not see how he can draw back, but at the same time it would be manifestly unfair to saddle America with the exclusive responsibility.