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. This difference of opinion will be seized upon by those,
who are openly or secretly opposed to the League, to create
controversy and discord.

"In addition to this there will be opposition in Congress to assuming
obligations to take affirmative action along either military or
economic lines. On constitutional grounds, on its effect on the
Monroe Doctrine, on jealousy as to Congressional powers, etc., there
will be severe criticism which will materially weaken our position
with other nations, and may, in view of senatorial hostility, defeat
a treaty as to the League of Nations or at least render it impotent.

"With these thoughts in mind and with an opposition known to exist
among certain European statesmen and already manifest in Washington,
I take the liberty of laying before you a tentative draft of articles
of guaranty which I do not believe can be successfully opposed either
at home or abroad."

I would interrupt the reader at this point to suggest that it might be
well to peruse the enclosures, which will be found in the succeeding
pages, in order to have a better understanding of the comments which
follow. To continue:

"I do not see how any nation can refuse to subscribe to them. I do
not see how any question of constitutionality can be raised, as they
are based essentially on powers which are confided to the Executive.
They in no way raise a question as to the Monroe Doctrine. At the
same time I believe that the result would be as efficacious as if
there was an undertaking to take positive action against an offending
nation, which is the present cause of controversy.

"I am so earnestly in favor of the guaranty, which is the heart of
the League of Nations, that I have endeavored to find a way to
accomplish this and to remove the objections raised which seem to me
to-day to jeopardize the whole plan.

"I shall be glad, if you desire it, to confer with you in regard to
the enclosed paper or to receive your opinion as to the suggestions
made. In any