![WILSON, Woodrow. Typed draft statement signed ("Woodrow Wilson"), as President, n.d. [October 1916]. 1 page, 4to, seventeen words added in Wilson's hand.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2007/NYR/2007_NYR_01840_0122_000(020218).jpg?w=1)
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WILSON, Woodrow. Typed draft statement signed ("Woodrow Wilson"), as President, n.d. [October 1916]. 1 page, 4to, seventeen words added in Wilson's hand.
A "DISAPPOINTED" WILSON ADMITS FAILURE IN HIS EFFORTS TO BROKER A DEAL FOR "RELIEVING POLAND" IN 1916
A fascinating piece of diplomatic history form World War I: Wilson's draft statement, making a pained and surprisingly emotional admission of failure. "I have now received replies from the King of England, the President of France, the Emperor of Russia, the Emperor of Germany and the Emperor of Austria, to my letter...in which I tendered the friendly offices of this Government in negotiations looking to a fresh consideration of the possibilities and method of relieving Poland. It appears, I greatly regret to say, that there are still important differences between the Allied and central powers as to the terms under which relief supplies may be sent to Poland, and I am disappointed that I have not as yet been successful in inducing the powers to conclude a definite agreement." Wilson's breaks with the restraint of diplomat-ese to add the emotional words "greatly regret" and "disappointed" to this draft.
The situation of Poland was indeed lamentable: its independence destroyed and its land torn apart in 1795 by the great powers of Russia, Prussia and Austria. Now, in 1916, Poles hoped they could regain some territory and independence with the defeat of either Russia or Germany. Both powers, of course, were left in shambles at the end of the war, and Poland did indeed gain independence in 1921. Yet the plight of its people remained desperate, and its nationhood was shortlived. More brutal assaults and partitions awaited at the hands of the Nazis and the Soviets during World War II.
A "DISAPPOINTED" WILSON ADMITS FAILURE IN HIS EFFORTS TO BROKER A DEAL FOR "RELIEVING POLAND" IN 1916
A fascinating piece of diplomatic history form World War I: Wilson's draft statement, making a pained and surprisingly emotional admission of failure. "I have now received replies from the King of England, the President of France, the Emperor of Russia, the Emperor of Germany and the Emperor of Austria, to my letter...in which I tendered the friendly offices of this Government in negotiations looking to a fresh consideration of the possibilities and method of relieving Poland. It appears, I greatly regret to say, that there are still important differences between the Allied and central powers as to the terms under which relief supplies may be sent to Poland, and I am disappointed that I have not as yet been successful in inducing the powers to conclude a definite agreement." Wilson's breaks with the restraint of diplomat-ese to add the emotional words "greatly regret" and "disappointed" to this draft.
The situation of Poland was indeed lamentable: its independence destroyed and its land torn apart in 1795 by the great powers of Russia, Prussia and Austria. Now, in 1916, Poles hoped they could regain some territory and independence with the defeat of either Russia or Germany. Both powers, of course, were left in shambles at the end of the war, and Poland did indeed gain independence in 1921. Yet the plight of its people remained desperate, and its nationhood was shortlived. More brutal assaults and partitions awaited at the hands of the Nazis and the Soviets during World War II.