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

424 INTIMATE PAPERS OF COLONEL HOUSE

Colonel House to Sir Edward Grey
PARIS, April 12, 1915
DEAR SIR EDWARD:... I did not find conditions in Berlin favorable for any discussion looking towards peace; consequently I did not remain
long or say much. The visit, however, had great value and I
feel that I now know the true conditions there, making a
more intelligent line of action possible.
I found but few points where our interest and theirs
touched strongly enough for me to create a sympathetic
feeling, but one of these was what we might term the Freedom of the Seas. It was upon that subject alone that I
awoke sufficient enthusiasm to warrant the hope that in it
lies the way to peace.
Looking at the matter from a narrowly selfish standpoint,
they could not believe that England would concede enough
in this direction for Germany to consent to those things
without which no peace can ever be possible. But from my
conversations with you, I knew that you saw a future more
secure and splendid for England in this new direction than in
the old. I gave no sign of this, but left them thinking what
concessions they might make in order to reach so promising
an end.
While I am eager to discuss this and other matters with
you, still I feel that it is well to move leisurely and to assume
a certain indifference as to time...
Your very sincere
E. M. HOUSE
Colonel House to the President
PARIS, April 12, 1915
DEAR GOVERNOR:.. What I want to do, is to get Sir Edward's consent to
what might be termed a paper campaign. If he agrees to
this I will write to him, even though in London, and have