The sun., 1919-08-12

the rumors that are referred to but
was never able to satisfy myself that
there was any substantial founda-
ton for them.
Second, requesting a copy OF any
letter or written protest by the
members OF the American peace
commission or any officials attached
thereto against the disposition or
adjustment which was made in refer
ence to Shantung and particularly a
copy OF letter written by Gen. Tasker
II. Bliss, member of the peace COM
mission, on behalf OF himself; Hon.
Robert Lansing. Secretary OF State.
and Hon. Henry White. members of
the peace commission, protesting
against the provisions of the treaty
with reference to Shantung
In reply to this request, let me
say that Gen. Bliss did write me a
letter In which he took very strong
ground against the proposed Shan
tung settlement, and that his objec-
lions were concurred in by the Sec
rotary of State and Mr.. Henry White.
But the letter cannot properly be
described as protest against the
final Shantung decision. because It
was written before that decision had
been arrived at, and in response to
my request that my colleagues on
the commission apprise me Of their
judgment in that matter. The final
decision was very materially quail
ned by the policy which Japan
undertook to pursue with regard to
the return of the Shantung PENN
sula in full sovereignty to China.
1 would have no hesitation in
BLISS letter, were II not for the fact
that II contains references to other
Governments, which II was perfectly
proper for Gen. Bliss to make in a
confidential communication to me,
but which am sure Gen. Bliss
would not wish to have repeated out
side our personal and intimate ex-
change of views.
I have received no written pro-
tests from any officials connected
with or attached to the American
peace commission with regard to this
matter.
I am also asked to send you any
memorandum or other information
with reference to an attempt OF
Japan or her peace delegates to
intimidate the Chinese peace dele
gates. I am happy to say that I
have no such memorandum or in
formation. WOODROW WILSON.
There is no reason" commente
Senator Lodge. "for the committee to as
,ume It will receive any more informa
ion. We asked the President for muc
concerning obscure provis
ons of the treaty. and in his earlier let
.er to me he said ne would undertake
70 select such documents as the commit
zee should have. The result Is that tn
American draft Is sent, indicating tina
nothing else is forthcoming.
THE committee got no enlightenment
rom Secretary Lansing regarding tn
provisions or the processes of maxim
he treaty. 1t will hear David Hunte
Miller tomorrow, but there Is little en-
to believe he will make mat
ers any palmer. II we get nothing NOR
rom him, incline to doubt the advis
Cbility of sending for Col. House, an,
We will have to proceed with the treat,
Is best we can in the committee. Tn
country ought to be s1ven opportunity I
the difficulties placed in tn
way of the committees efforts to inform
tself about a treaty which the Admin
stration insists should be ratified with
tut delay
Mr.. Lodge said he had not had time t
cad the draft Of the American plan an,
,ould not comment on II.
Senator Borah (Idaho). said: ''Th
President in his letter to Senator Lodg
definitely declines TO furnish us the cop.
Il the protest by Secretary Lansing. Gen
Bliss and Mr.. White. on the ground that
some criticism of other nation
md therefore he assumed that Gen. Bills
would not wish it given publicity. as
Iume that the sending OF such document
Is have been given US indicates that w
iced hardly expect that any Others viii
,e forthcoming: The process verbdle o