New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-20
Entente Nations Bound to
Follow Wilson's Lead, Is
London Opinion
Secret Diplomacy Hit
Balfour's Address Attacked
Labor Element Still
Rebellious
By Arthur S. Draper

LONDON, Aug. 19.-Every day sees
America growing in power as the DOM
inant factor in the war. II is fairly
plain that without her help there can
be no real military decision in the
west, and that help cannot be long de-
layed.
Military opinion is gradually turning
TO the view that aeroplsnes will decide
the issue. The conversion is extremely
slow, for even to-day the British air
service is divided among three heads.
Besides Americas military assistance
she must invest heavily financially.
But above everything else is the course
the President takes regarding war aims.
The Allied governments are bound to
follow his lead now, however embar-
RAISING it may prove locally.
Fight Secret Diplomacy
1t is urged in labor circles that there
be no secret diplomacy.
In this connection Secretary Balfour's
recent speech is of interest. Perhaps
it was intended for labor consumption
more than for that of any other class.
One Of the strongest planks of labor's
platform is built around the evils Of
secret diplomacy as disclosed during
the war.
As usual, London press comments
run true to political party form, the
Liberal organs severely attacking Bal
tours defence Of the Foreign Office
policy. while the Conservative journals
as strongly uphold him. The Oppo-
sition raises the point that the Allies
are fighting for the characterization Of
Europe and that that is an impossible
ity until all peoples are fully informed
on international affairs and able to
voice their views.
The position Of the other side is that
the government is selected by the peo-
pie and, consequently, is the only body
ratified to act for the state.
Social Breach Still Wide
The wide divergence of views con-
corning secret diplomacy merely EN-
phasizes the fact that after three years
of war. and despite coalition govern
ments, the breach between schools OF
political thought is just as wide as
ever. Instead Of the war leveiling class
distinction. by uniting political parties,
u l.
ticians drift further apart.
After Tuesdays meeting of the Ma
tionsl Labor party there will be more
light on the future relations between
labor and government. The conference
is almost certain to resffirm its de-
cision, possibly by an even larger ma
jority. g..
One question that may arise is
whether labor ministers can remain IN
office if the War Cabinet still refuses
passports to the Stockholm Socialist
conference. The second question is
whether there will be labor trouble in
the industrial world. The position of
the Liverpool boilermakers and railway
engineers should not be taken as IN.
dicative Of the general sentiment OF
| labor, which, as whole, is patriotic to
a high degree and ready for any sacri-
/ fee II it considers it to the advantage
/ Of the state.
viii Delay Conference
The Stockholm conference is almost
certain TO be postponed, if only because
/ of the time needed 10 make arrange
ments. Meanwhile the Trade Union
| Congress will meet at Blackpool on
| September 2 and the Inter-Allied con-
! ference in London the last of August.
Samuel Gompers's attitude toward
! the conference at Stockholm is OF
! great interest here. Here, as in Amer
( lea, there is Socialist party inclined
toward internationalism, and the trade
/ union organization is less interested
in abstract politics. Gompers is con-
, sidered to belong to the latter group
but even that organization now favors
participation in the Stockholm confer
| ence.
| am informed that the official atti-
| tude toward Stockholm which was COM
| pletely reversed last month is due al
most entirely to the stand Of the