Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-11-16
OFFER OF NEW AIR
MINISTRY REFUSED
BY NORTHCL|FFE
Dissatisfied With Methods
of Lloyd Georges Ad-
ministration.
HIGH PRAISE FOR WORK
DONE BY UNITED STATES
While in America Observes OBJ
stnuction and Delay in Some
London Departments.
WANTS TO STAY INDEPENDENT
Feels He Can DO More II Not Gagged
by Loyalty That He Does
Not Feel.
HIGH PRAISE FOR WORK
DONE BY UNITED STATES
WANTS TO STAY INDEPENDENT
by Loyalty That He Does
Not Feel
iRr Assoclated Pres..l


cliffc has declined Il proner of the ad :
ministration Of the new air ministry
made TO him by Premier Lloyd George.
In a long letter to the Premier. Lord
Northclifte explains that his refusal OF
the portfolio is due TO dissatisfaction
with some Of the methods OF Lloyd
Georges administration. especially with
regard to relations with the United
States. and says that Lord Northc!ines
desire. therefore. is to remain an in
dependent attitude.
Lord SorthcliHcs letter to Premier
Lloyd George. dated to-day. from the
London Office c: tho British mission to
the United States. WAS as follows:
Dear Prime Minister have given
anxious consideration TO your repeated
invitations that | should take charge
OF the new air ministry. The reason
which impel!ed me TO decline that great
honor and responsibility Is in no way
concerned with ,he Office which is
eighty TO be set UP. They are roughly
AZ follows.
PROCEEDING WITH ENTHUSIASM
IN WAR PREPARATIONS
"Returning after five months spent
in tho virile atmosphere Of the United
States and Canada. ] find that while
theSe two countries are proceeding with
their war preparations with fervor
and enthusiasm little understood on
this side OF the Atlantic: while the
United states instantly put into op-
Grafton conscription over which we
wobbed fer two years, and is making
short work OF sedition mongers while
Canada already has given such proofs
OF thoroushness as the disfranchise-
of ~ Inn an to, n nd 10
Decentralization OF all enemy aliens
naturalized within the last fifteen
years: while we. for our part. are ask
ing immense sacrifices from these peo-
pies. there still are in Office here those
who daily with such urgent questions
as that OF unity of war control. cradi-
cation OF sedition. mobilization of the
whole man and woman power of the
country and the introduction of COM
pulsory food rations.
II had personal experience while in
America of the obstruction and de-
lay In certain departments in London
which for example. postnoned send
ing Lord Readings vital and most sue
cessful mission. find the censorship
still being misused. and that men in
various positions OF authority who
should have been punished have been
retained, and in some cases elevated
The spirit Of the men and women OF
Great Britain is clearly eager and
splendid as ever. We have, in my be
lief the most efficient, army in the
world, led by one of the greatest gen
erals. and ! am we'll aware of the fine
achievements of many others OF our
soldiers. sailors and statesmen, but
feel, In the present circumstances.
can do better work, If maintain my
independence and am not gagged by
loyalty that ! do not feel towards
.he whole Of your administration
THANKS WAR CABINET
FOR MESSAGE Of PRAISE
Il take this opportunity of thank
ing you and the War Cabinet for the
handsome message Of praise sent to me
as representing the 500 officials of the
British war mission to the United
States, many Of them volunteers and
e1iles. Their achievements and those of
their 10000 assistants deserve to be
better known by their countrymen.
The fact that their work is not known
is due to the absurd secrecy about
the war which still prevails. Every
thing these officials are doing is known
TO our American friends, and, Of course.
TO the Germans.
i trust make no breach of conf
dence N saying that some of the docu
ments which have passed through my
hands as head of the mission are such
as, IL published. would greatly increas.
our prestige in the United States and
hearten our people at home
May ! also take this opportunity
of giving warning about our relations
with that great people from whom I
come! We have had the tragedy of
Russia, due partly to lack of allied
propaganda to counteract that of the
Germans. We have had the tragedy
of Italy. largely due to that same enemy
propaganda. We have had the TRACE.
dies OF Serbia. Roumania and Monte.
negro. There is ono tragedy which T
am sure we shall not have. and that
is the tragedy of the United States.
u. $. MAY TAKE OVER
ENTIRE MANAGEMENT
But from my countless conversa-
tions with leading Americans, I know
that unless there is swift improve
ment In our methods here. the United
States will rightly take into it's own
hands the entire management Of great
part of the war. tt will not sacrifice
its blood and treasure TO the incompe-
tent handling Of the affairs Of Europe.
"Tn saying all this. which is very
much on my mind, believe me. l have
none but the most friendly feeling to-
ward yourself. and that am greatly
honored by your suggestion.
Sincerely yours,
'NORTHCLIFFE."