1. August. 1916.
Dear Mr. Ford,
Mr. [Delavigne] brought me the following message yesterday:
"Mr Ford wants me to say that he doesn't wish to see you, after what happened there, the press, and all.
He doesn't think, that you can have any message that could interest him at all. What ever you want to tell him you might send him word through me."
My answer was: "Tell Mr. Ford I have no message to send. I want to speak to him personally. I am going to make another attempt to see Mr. Ford."
I come from Europe, as I announced in two wirelesses, to report something to you.
I did not come to make new suggestions.
I did not come to ask anything.
I did not come to discuss the quarrels of your representatives.
But I came to tell you something that would make you glad and proud, something that repays you for much of the trouble that accompanied your efforts. [page 2]
I never bothered you with complaints about the outrages your representatives in America and in Europe committed against me in your name. But if these outrages should go so far as to prevent me from the one satisfaction for which I care, i.e. to account to you personally how we mended things and finally brought action now in progress in accordance with our original plans I wonder how I can have any longer faith in the future of constructive peace work.
People in [New York] and here say that you are not your own master. I cannot believe that, just as I cannot believe that you, who pick up tramps and treat them gently could be so rude as the message delivered by Mr. [Delavigne] makes you appear.
This note itself is the second attempt to get a personal interview with you, which I [mentioned] to Mr. [Delavigne].
Will you please let me know where and when I can see you as soon as possible, since I must return to my work in Europe.
With unspeakable regret that it is made so difficult for all honest cooperation I am, Mr Ford,
cordially yours
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