as yet, come to no conclusion as to wisdom or method
of partition. I feel we cannot deal effectively with
that subject until we have had an interchange of views    
with the English and the Russians. I, myself, seek
further light on this subject. I, certainly, would not
discourage any spontaneous effort toward separation of
the country into two or more groups.
 
 
Amputation
 
 
 I understand that there is some general recognition
of the probability of Russia or the Poles taking East
Prussia and some parts of Silesia. I suggest that we
interpose no objection to this but that we take no part
in the administration of the area. On the Western border
the primary question is the matter of dealing with the
Ruhr but it has also been suggested that the Rhineland
and the Saar be delivered to France. Naturally I am
in favor of the automatic return of Alsace and Lorraine
to France but though my mind is not irrevocably closed
against it, I feel that the burden of proof lies on
those who suggest giving France more territory. She
will come out of this war with her Empire practically
intact, with a reduced population and already possessing