The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-08-20

or two along that same line. II this
treaty should fail OF ratification then
could not the opportunity be open to
Japan to treat the Shantung question
just as she has treated the Manchurian
situation?
The President--I think SO yes
Senator Pomerene-So that IL the
treaty should fail OF ratification China,
10 far as Shantung is concerned, would
be practically at the mercy Of japan,
whereas II the treaty 10 ratified then at
least she will have the benent of the
moral assistance of all the other sigma
tory Powers to the treaty TO aid in the
protection of Chinese rights.
The President--Senator, I conceive one
Of the chief benefits Of the whole ar
rangement that centres In the League Of
Nations to be Just what you have in
dicated that It would bring 10 bear the
opinion of the world and the controlling
action Of the world on all relationships
of that hazardous sort. particularly
those relationships which involve the
rights Of the weaker nations. After all,
the wars that are likely to come are
most likely to come by aggression
against the weaker nations. Without
the League OF Nations they have no but
tress or protection. With II, they have
inasmuch as 1t is the universal opinion
that the great tragedy through which
we have just passed never would have
occurred II the central Powers had
Dreamed that a number OF nations would
be combined against them, 30 have /
the utmost confidence that this notice
before hand that the strong nations of
the world will In every case be united
will mako war extremely unlikely.
VN6 ~
quite hesitant about asking certain ques-
lions which wish to ask. l apollo
glze in advance for asking them and
trust you will stop me at once II they
are questions which you deem inappro-
pirate or that ought not to be asked.
The President-Thank you.
Senator Johnson think the question
1 am about to ask you answered to
Senator Borah, go pardon me II 1t is
repetitive. The question Is, Was the
United States Government officially in
formed at any time between the rupture
OF diplomatic relations with Germany
and the signing Of the armistics OF
agreements made by the allied Govern
ments IN regard to the settlement Of
the war?
The President--No: not so far as I
know
Senator Johnson-Could you state
whether or not any official investigation
was made by our Government to ascer-
tain whether or not there were any
such treaties of territorial disposition
The President-There was no such in
vestigation.
Senator Johnson-These specific trea-
ties, then. the treaty of London on the
| basis of which Italy entered the war.
| the agreement with Rumania, in Au-
gust, 1916. the various agreements in
| respect to Asia Minor and the agree
ments contaminated in the winter oil
| 1917 between France and Russia rela-
| tive to the frontiers OF Germany, and
| particularly in relation to the Saar VAL
| ley and the left bank of the Rhine,
none OF these did we have ana when I
say I'VE" I mean you. Mr.. President,
any knowledge OF prior 10 the confer
| ence at Paris.
The President-Sir. l can confidently
answer that question mo" in regard TO
myself.
Senator McCumber-Senator johnson.
may I ask the President right here
whether or not any treaties were made
after we entered into the war between
The President--No. sir. do not
know OF any.
Senator Johnson-when our Govern
ment. through you. Mr.. president. In
January. 1918 made the fourteen points
as the basis for peace. were those points
made with the knowledge Of the exist
ence of the secret agreements?
The President-No; oh. no.
Senator Johnson-It was not intend
| ed. then. by the expression of those
-! fourteen points, to supplant the aims
| contained in the secret treaties?
! The President-Since' knew nothing
OF them, necessarily not.
| Senator Johnson-Did China enter the
war upon our advice-the advice OF the
United States?
China's Entrance Into War.
The PRESIDENT cannot tell. sir. We
! advised her to enter and shs soon after
did. Whether she had sought our ad-
vice. and whether that was the per-
suasive advice or not. / do not know
Senator Johnson-Do you recall, Mr.
President. that preceding that advice
we had asked China. as one of the neu-
trail nations to sever diplomatic rela-
| lions with Germany?
The Observation-Disclosures We had asked
her?
| Senator Johnson-Yes. sir.
The President-I do not recall. Sen
though from the records OF the depart
ment.
Senator JohnsonIDo you know, Mr.
President, whether or not our Govern
ment stated to China that II China
would enter the war we would protect
her interests at the Peace Conference?
, The President-We made no promises
Senator Johnson-No representation;
| OF that sort?
The President-No she knew that we
would do as well as we could. She had
every reason TO know that.
Senator Johnson-Pardon me a fur
ther question you did mako the attempt
to do II too. did you not?
The President-Oh. indeed did, very
seriously.
Senator Johnson-And the decision
ultimately reached at the Peace Confer.
enoe was a disappointment to your
The President-Yes. sir may frank
~ say that II was.
Senator Johnson-You would have
preferred as ! think most of us would
that there had been a different conclu
sion of the Shantung provision, or tho
Shantung difficulty or controversy. a.
the Paris Peace Conference7
The President-Yes; I frankly init
mated that.
Senator Johnson-Did IL require tn,
unanimous consent OF the members o.
the Peace Conference TO reach a de
cislon Ike the Shantung decision?
The Presdent-Every decision, yes
sir.
Senator Johnson-Do you recall. Mr.
President, prior to the decision on tht
territorial question OF Shantung. or o.
10