succeed in this. But when he did arrive,
it seemed to me that his observations up-
on the situation in Russia were of such
importance to the Allied cause that the
British Government should be acquainted
with them.
Accordingly, I introduced Col.
Thompson to the leading members of the
British Government, including of course
Lord Reading, Sir Edward Carson and Mr.
Lloyd George, and I may say to you without
exaggeration that they assured me of the
deep impression that Colonel Thompson's
views made upon them. Mr. Lloyd George
at an interview at which I was present
expressed the desire that he give to you
by word of mouth a message as to how he
regarded the situation.
I am reciting the foregoing
so as to make clear that no matter how
adequate your sources of information as
to Russia may be (and I have no doubt
that they are complete), still I would
regard Colonel Thompson's presentation
to you of real importance. You must
realize this to account for this unprece-
dented request on my part.
Colonel Thompson is actuated
I can assure you only by the finest motives
of patriotism, neither he nor we having
financial interests in Russia.
I myself of course stand in
readiness to accompany Colonel Thompson
if that should be desired, but that is
unimportant: the important thing to my
mind is that here is a real man, of
great sensibility and earnestness, gener-
ous and devoted, who has himself played
a not unimportant part in matters over
there. I realize how great the burdens
are upon you at this time and the neces-
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