In regard to the asserted right of "self-determination" I wrote: "When the President talks of 'self-determination' what unit has he in mind?
Does he mean a race, a territorial area, or a community?
Without a definite unit which is practical, application of this principle is dangerous to peace and stability." Ten days later (December 30) the frequent repetition of the phrase in the press and by members of certain groups and unofficial delegations, who were in Paris seeking to obtain hearings before the Conference, caused me to write the following: "The more I think about the President's declaration as to the right of 'self-determination,' the more convinced I am of the danger of putting such ideas into the minds of certain races.

It is bound to be the basis of impossible demands on the Peace Congress and create trouble in many lands.
"What effect will it have on the Irish, the Indians, the Egyptians, and the nationalists among the Boers?
Will it not breed discontent, disorder, and rebellion?
Will not the Mohammedans of Syria and Palestine and possibly of Morocco and Tripoli rely on it?
How can it be harmonized with Zionism, to which the President is practically committed?
"The phrase is simply loaded with dynamite.

It will raise hopes which can never be realized.

It will, I fear, cost thousands of lives.

In the end it is bound to be discredited, to be called the dream of an idealist who failed to realize the danger until too late to check those who attempt to put the principle in force.