Note 285 — Chapter XXIX · FOREIGN RELATIONS

In addition to regular envoys, it is sometimes customary for a country to send an unofficial representative to conduct negotiations informally. During the years before the United States entered the war, Colonel Edward M. House, of Texas, was sent to Europe by President Wilson on at least two occasions in order that certain confidential discussions might be carried on without using the regular diplomatic channels. When unofficial representatives are sent in this way no public announcement is made.