CHAPTER IV.
SUBSTITUTE ARTICLES PROPOSED The President, Mr.Henry White, and I arrived in Paris on Saturday, December 14, 1918, where Colonel House and General Bliss awaited us.

The days following our arrival were given over to public functions in honor of the President and to official exchanges of calls and interviews with the delegates of other countries who were gathering for the Peace Conference.

On the 23d, when the pressure of formal and social engagements had in a measure lessened, I decided to present to the President my views as to the mutual guaranty which he intended to propose, fearing that, if there were further delay, he would become absolutely committed to the affirmative form.

I, therefore, on that day sent him the following letter, which was marked "Secret and Urgent": "_Hotel de Crillon December 23, 1918_ "MY DEAR MR.

PRESIDENT: "The plan of guaranty proposed for the League of Nations, which has been the subject of discussion, will find considerable objection from other Governments because, even when the principle is agreed to, there will be a wide divergence of views as to the terms of the obligation.