December 16th, 1920.
My dear Miss Addams:
Miss Merriman who has been quite swamped with work during my absence has just shown me your letter of the 11th and asked that in answering it, I explain to you why she had not done so earlier.
I reached home Saturday after a most interesting two months. Unfortunately, in the matter of the economic conference, I have to report that it was the judgment of practically all of the men whom I consulted in England and on the Continent, that in view of the present opinion in America, it would be inexpedient and useless for even the most distinguished British or Continental economist to come here for a conference. We have therefore concluded that at least until after March 4th it would be unwise to urge any of the men to come over here.
This does not mean, however, that we should not have some sort of economic conference of our own. I have come back strongly impressed with the urgent necessity of immediately doing four things as far as our European relations are concerned:
1st -- Renewal of trade with Russia.
2nd -- The defeat of Secretary Daniel's wild proposal for gigantic war or naval building program.
3rd -- Using our pressure in every way to secure the definitizing of the German indemnities at the earliest possible moment.
4th -- [Cooperating] in every way towards the establishment of credits for Central Europe, particularly Austria.
These things, I believe, ought all be done. I am glad that my committee agrees that we as an association shall not waste much energy in discussing the general questions as to League or no League; Treaty or no Treaty, but rather drive directly along these four concrete lines.
I had hoped that you would be in Washington the week following Christmas because I plan to be there then attending the American Political Science Association meetings. Perhaps you will have returned then but if not, [page 2] please be sure to let us know in advance in case you are coming to New York as we shall be glad to do in the event that either Miss Merriman or I come to Chicago.
One comes home from Europe depressed at the moral bankruptcy of the defeated empires. By the way, many of your friends including Miss Balch, Mrs. [Swanwick], Lady Courtney of [Penwith], all of whom were very kind to me, charged me especially to bring to you their most cordial greetings. Lady Courtney, whom I happened to meet, had ↑at↓ a very interesting meeting called in one of the committee rooms of the House of Commons, to discuss the Irish situation, when I explained that you had asked me to see her, she immediately arranged for a dinner party for me, although she was leaving town within the next two or three days. As she put it, "the intimation of a wish from Miss Addams is for me an imperative command."
Very sincerely yours,
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