CHAPTER I

REASONS FOR WRITING A PERSONAL NARRATIVE


"While we were still in Paris, I felt, and have felt increasingly ever
since, that you accepted my guidance and direction on questions with
regard to which I had to instruct you only with increasing
reluctance....

"... I must say that it would relieve me of embarrassment, Mr.
Secretary, the embarrassment of feeling your reluctance and divergence
of judgment, if you would give your present office up and afford me an
opportunity to select some one whose mind would more willingly go along
with mine."

These words are taken from the letter which President Wilson wrote to me
on February 11, 1920. On the following day I tendered my resignation as
Secretary of State by a letter, in which I said:

"Ever since January, 1919, I have been conscious of the fact that you
no longer were disposed to welcome my advice in matters pertaining to
the negotiations in Paris, to our foreign service, or to
international affairs in general. Holding these views I would, if I
had consulted my personal inclination alone, have resigned as