The intimate papers of Colonel House arranged as a narrative by Charles Seymour.

198 INTIMATE PAPERS OF COLONEL HOUSE

Sir William Tyrrell, to the United States to canvass the
whole matter of Anglo-American relations with the President and his adviser. This was the more important in that
the new British Ambassador, Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, was ill
and unable to take up his duties actively. Tyrrell proved to
be an ideal selection. He shared the complete confidence of
Grey and his views on international relations, so that not
merely could he give to Wilson Grey's exact ideas, but he
might claim from the President an equal frankness. No one
understood better the ins and outs of Continental politics,
or realized more acutely how great an asset to the British
American sympathy might become in case of trouble in
Europe. He possessed, moreover, an almost boyish enthusiasm for the task in hand, which completely won the affection of the Colonel and the confidence of the President. He
came in doubt as to the willingness of the Americans to cooperate with Grey. He returned convinced that they would
play the game. 'Tyrrell's back,' wrote Ambassador Page to
House, in December, 'a changed man. He says that you and
the President and Houston did it. That's all to the good.'
House took pains to come into touch with Sir William
immediately after his arrival, and explained to Wilson the
importance of his mission.
'November 11, 1913: The President saw me at once, although I had no appointment. I expressed concern in regard
to Mexico and explained more in detail about Sir William
Tyrrell. In talking to Sir William we were practically talking to Sir Edward Grey, and I thought it would be foolish
not to utilize the opportunity in order to bring about a better
understanding with England regarding Mexico. I told him
of my luncheon engagement at the British Embassy on
Wednesday, and thought if he would give me a free hand I
might do something worth while. He authorized me to talk
to Sir William as freely as I considered advisable....