January 14, 1921
My dear Mr. Lamont:
Attached is a suggestion of names of persons whom you might wish to include among those that you invite to the dinner conference, which you said the other night you would be glad to arrange, on the question of America's interest in the prompt fixation on a reasonable basis of the German indemnity.
I have tried to include in this list representatives of the following important groups: International Harvester, Underwood Typewriter, copper, cotton, leather, automobiles, farmers, bankers, railroads, transportation, wool, and coal. I have suggested the names of only [two] or three bankers, feeling confident that your intimate acquaintance will suggest a number of other members of this group whom it would be desirable to have.
The not unexpected overthrow of Leygues and the probable stiffening of the French attitude on reparations during the next few weeks make it all the more imperative, it seems to me, that this conference should be held as soon as it can be arranged. Our influence on behalf of moderation, either through membership on the Reparation Commission or otherwise, will depend largely upon whether, between now and March 4th, we can arouse our public opinion to a more lively sense of the relation between relief for our present economic congestion and a settlement of the reparation controversy on a basis similar to that suggested by our Commission in Paris, during the peace negotiations.
My list does not include any representatives from the South but I am today writing Mr. George H. McFadden, asking him if he will not suggest representatives of distinctly southern interests.
We shall be delighted to be of any further possible service in arranging this conference.
Very sincerely yours,
Enclosure.
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