MR.

WILSON'S PRESENCE AT THE PEACE CONFERENCE Early in October, 1918, it required no prophetic vision to perceive that the World War would come to an end in the near future.

Austria-Hungary, acting with the full approval of the German Government, had made overtures for peace, and Bulgaria, recognizing the futility of further struggle, had signed an armistice which amounted to an unconditional surrender.

These events were soon followed by the collapse of Turkish resistance and by the German proposals which resulted in the armistice which went into effect on November 11, 1918.
In view of the importance of the conditions of the armistice with Germany and their relation to the terms of peace to be later negotiated, the President considered it essential to have an American member added to the Supreme War Council, which then consisted of M.Clemenceau, Mr.
Lloyd George, and Signor Orlando, the premiers of the three Allied Powers.

He selected Colonel Edward M.House for this important post and named him a Special Commissioner to represent him personally.