I trust your health will soon be restored and that we may have the pleasure of seeing you and Mrs.Page before your departure.
GEORGE R.I.
_From the Prime Minister_ 10, Downing Street, Whitehall, S.W.

1.
30th August, 1918.
MY DEAR AMBASSADOR: It is with the deepest regret that my colleagues and I have received the news that you have been forced by ill health to resign your office and that the President has consented to your relinquishing your ambassadorial duties.

We are sorry that you are leaving us, all the more because your tenure of office has coincided with one of the greatest epochs in the history of our two countries and of the world, and because your influence and counsel throughout this difficult time have been of the utmost value to us all.
The power for good or evil which can be exerted by the occupant of your high position is at all times necessarily very great.

That our peoples are now fighting side by side in the cause of human freedom and that they are manifesting an ever growing feeling of cordiality to one another is largely attributable to the exceptional wisdom and good-will with which you have discharged your duties.

For the part you have played during the past five years in bringing about this happy result we owe you our lasting gratitude.
May I add that while you have always firmly presented the point of view of your own country, you have succeeded in winning, not only the respect and admiration of official circles, but the confidence, and I can say without hesitation, the affection of all sections of our people?
It will be with universal regret that they will learn that, owing to the strain of the great responsibilities you have borne, you are no longer to remain among us.