New-York tribune., 1911-11-30
CALLER QUOTES TAFT
IN PARIS NEWSPAPER
M. de TeSSan, introduced by M.
JuSSerand, Violates UnWrlt-
ten Law of White House.
UNAUTHORIZED
President, Unaware He Was
Talking for Publication, Dis
cusses Turco- Italian War,
China and Arbitration.
IRON Tic Tribune Bureau.l

Washington. Nov. 29.-The publication in
the Paris "Matin" Of an alleged interview
with the President oy NJ de Tessan evoked
a statement from the White House to-day
that the interview was unauthorized. State
ments purported to have been made by
President Taft We're quoted contrary 10 the
unwritten law recognized by American
newspaper men that the President Is not
10 be quoted without express permission.
W de Tessan was introduced by NJ JUS
serand. the French Ambassador. several
days ago. The President, unconscious Of
the fact that what he might say would uti-
mately appear in print, talked very freely
with NJ de Tessan, commenting on the
Turco- italian war the troubles in China
and the peace treaties. The President did
not know ne was talking for publication.
nor did NJ De Tessan so enlighten him.
When the "in nrview" was brought TO The
attention OF the secretary TO the Presi-
dent the following statement was issued:
An alleged interview in The Matn.' Of
Paris purpOrting 10 quote the President
on certain phases Of the attitude OF the
government Of the United states toward
foreign affairs was this morning brought
to the attention Of the secretary TO the
President
Mr.. Hilles explained that much surprise
had been felt al the White House In ind
ing that a gentleman, the cousin or the
French military attache. coming introduced
by the French Ambassador, should have
thought, without any authorization. 10 CIR
culate as an interview his recollection OF
casual remarks made by the PRESIDENT IN
the course Of hurried conversations. The
gentleman In question was one or very
large number received during the busy
morning. and no interview whatever was
authorized.
Francois de Tessan was understood al
the White House to be cousin OF Count
de- Chambrun, military attache OF the
French Embassy. Count de Chambrun late
to-day however. declared that the French
journalist was not related 10 him.
Paris Nov. % The "Matin' publishes
this morning what purports 10 be an IN
terview with President Taft written by
Francois de Tessan. The writer quotes the
President on such questions "A interyen-
tion I'm the Turco-Italian War. on Ameri-
cas- attitude In regard 20 China, on the
situation In Mexico and on the general
subject OF arbitration.
When asked ABOUT lur p'-9'"i'tb' ''
American mediation IN the Turco-ltalian
war. the writer says tina, President Taft
declared that the United States was GER
tainly in favor of the re-establishment OF
peace. Nevertheless he felt that u "oulu
he unwise to depart from the path Of Wis
dom. saying
Our relations with the two bellgerents
are equally friendly. We do not wish 70
offend tho national dignity OF either More
over. the Turco-Italian war concerns prl-
marilv the European concert IL - LheIe-
tore "a matter Of tact for the United states
NOT 10 nut herself forward TO bring an tnd
10 conflict which, however from the oot-
TON, of her heart she desires 10 see ehaed
II Is evident that II the European powers
were i'm accord to ask for our medlatloI
We should be happy 20 work IN favor OF
peaca We have wished 20 avoid anythlhs
mat might lead 70 a misinterpretauon OF
our action That Is the reason why, up 70
now. we have adopted an impartial ana
impassive attitude
speaking on the subject Of China, Presi-
dent Taft IS stated TO have said that the
United states would naturally defend its
interests. remaining at the same time faith
n,l to the double principle of the mainten-
srce of the integrity Of the Celestial en-