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

RETURN TO AMERICA

471

country by his counsel and advice in regard to its attitude to
the United States in this crisis. What similar service he may
have rendered to you, and to his people, in other European
countries you will know. He sails to-morrow, and I can well
believe that, as he cannot be in Europe and America at the
same time, it may be better that he should now be at your
side. As I have had the privilege of introducing him to some
people he wished to meet over here, and of explaining to
them some aspects of American public life which it was
necessary for them to know in order to appreciate the value
of Colonel House's help, I have offered to be of any assistance in my power, should misunderstandings arise in his
absence which informed unofficial intervention may be best
qualified to remove. I have also offered to keep him advised
of any events or movements of opinion, which, from the
possession of his confidence, I feel he ought to know. I
merely wish to assure you, Mr. President, that something
will be done to minimize the loss to us over here which must
be set against the gain to you and to the United States in
having Colonel House at Washington.
I am, with deep respect
Yours sincerely
HORACE PLUNKETT
It was, therefore, with his eyes fully opened to all aspects
of the European situation, that President Wilson faced the
long-drawn-out crisis in our relations with Germany which
followed the sinking of the Lusitania.
<n WWL 1,24., tfw '1-! t M;Af^tflI,,'f/' I '

Is