I supported these views with the statement that the general secrecy, which was being practiced, was making a very bad impression everywhere, and for that reason, if for no other, I was opposed to it.

The silence with which the President received my remarks appeared to me significant of his attitude toward this advice, and his subsequent continuance of secret methods without change, unless it was to increase the secrecy, proved that our judgments were not in accord on the subject.

The only result of my representations, it would seem, was to cause Mr.Wilson to realize that I was not in sympathy with his way of conducting the negotiations.

In the circumstances I think now that it was a blunder on my part to have stated my views so frankly.
Two days after I wrote the note, which is quoted (April 2, 1919), I made another note more general in character, but in which appears the following: "Everywhere there are developing bitterness and resentment against a secretiveness which is interpreted to mean failure.

The patience of the people is worn threadbare.