TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” three pages, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, July 10, 1919. Letter to newspaper correspondent Gus J. Karger concerning negotiations over the League of Nations. In part: “I enclose herewith a copy of some tentative reservations and interpretations which, it seems to me, might be made without affecting the usefulness of the League, and without really raising the opposition or delaying the general settlement of peace terms…I had a letter from McCumber that gave me a little qualm. He seems to be willing as a last resort to strike out the word 'preserve' and retain only the word 'respect' in Article X, which of course would largely destroy the effect of the article as an affirmative and useful and threatening declaration. It is the threat of Article X that is going to be effective, and the more you weaken it, the less useful the League becomes…In respect to the Monroe Doctrine. It seems to me to cover every part of the Monroe Doctrine that we have any right to claim, and it excludes non-American nations from any interference in this hemisphere to enforce Article X unless we choose to invite them in. The attitude of Lodge and Spencer, and even of Root, that we can not define the Monroe Doctrine, because we intend to make it as broad as we choose in exclusion of non-American nations from any relation at all with the western hemisphere, is German, is domineering, is bullying, is offensive, and is wholly unwarranted by any precedent." Taft also writes "Confidential" at the top of the first page and adds a few words to the text in his own hand. In very good condition, with rusty paperclip marks and dampstaining to the upper left corner, and overall toning. Accompanied by a carbon copy typescript explaining Taft's reservations, and a telegram sent from Taft to Karger. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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