It was certainly a distinguished group, but it was the gentleman selected to be its head that gave it almost transcendent importance in the eyes of the British Government.

This was ex-President William H.Taft.The British lay greater emphasis upon official rank than do Americans, and the fact that an ex-President of the United States was to head this delegation made it almost an historic event.

Mr.
Taft was exceedingly busy, but he expressed his willingness to give up all his engagements for several months and to devote his energies to enlightening the British public about America and its purposes in the war.

An official invitation was sent him from London and accepted.
Inasmuch as Mr.Taft was an ex-President and a representative of the political party opposed to the one in power, he thought it only courteous that he call upon Mr.Wilson, explain the purpose of his mission, and obtain his approval.

He therefore had an interview with the President at the White House; the date was December 12, 1917.