The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-12-01
Serious international Situation
Created by Aged ex-Prc-
mier's Hostile Stand
BRITISH GOVERNMENT
VOICES DISAPPROVAL
London Daily Chronicle Says
1t Would Prefer to Follow
Advice of American E.xecu-
tiveRather Than Tory Leader

London. Nov. 500 President
Wilson. Great Britain and her allies
look with prayerful ardor tonight TO
undo the incalculable mischief caused
by the Marquis Transformers public
letter urging immediate restatement OF
the allied war aims as a short cut to
peace.
Not even new Knockout speech"
by Premier Lloyd George could calm
the storm that has risen over night.
II Is feared, though a clear cut answer
from the Prime Minister is looked for.
President Wilson. who has more than
once saved the day by defining, In un-
mtstakable terms the vita. issues
war and peace. Ia looked upon as the
one man who can lead the allied po-
litical world out OF the turmoil OF dis
sension created by the former foreign
minister back to the plane OF harmony
OF purpose and unity OF action.
Two members OF the British gov
eminent were quick 10 voice unquaE-
fled disapproval OF the aged states
mars epistle, Blockade Minister L1or.
Robert Cecil pointed to the injurious
consequences IL may have home and
abroad. Chancellor OF the Exchequer
Bonar Law. addressing a Unionlst
meeting, described it as disaster"
j. l. MACPHERSON. parliamentary I'M
der secretary for war, while not re-
ferring directly to the letter. touched
on one of the vital themes contained
therein The freedoms Of the seas"
when he addressed Sccftish luncheon
today.
No discussion" said he lis possible
OYER the QUESTION the freedom Of tfrs,
seas. Instead of such freedom the
seas must be cleared Of piraticaI and
treacherous foe now polluting the
,fec ean wffn his sous crimes. ''s~e Y
Practically all editorial ccmnents-
riss on the marauts' letter touch upon
President Wilson's definition OF Just
peace that must follow this war. All
lay stress upon the question as to what
effect the letter may have in America
Characteristic is the comment OF the
Daily Chronicle, which says II IL had
to choose between I.ansdowne's Judy
ment on world affairs and that OF
President Wilson II would greatly pre-
oNsr @aAt Of tsss American executive \ /,
The fact that Iausdowne IL so well
known and esteemed. ana The fact
that he unquestionably commands
large following in all walks OF life
he WAS but recently mentioned as a
partner. with AsQuth, tn a govern
ment succeeding the Lloyd George re-
GIN e---are pointed 10 as aggravating
the injurious effect his letter may
have. Such effect, it is feared. may
be four-foid;
/. Pacinst wage in England, with
consequent slackening OF war indus
tries.
2 Distrust among Great Rritain's
allies. particularly Italy now passing
through a grave crisis. In which every
/ ounce of announcement is needed
3. The impetus which the letter
may give TO the Teutonic war parties
and the heartening effect II Will have
on the German people by giving the
i'm preston that Great Britain is firing
OF the war.
T. The effect in the United States.
The chief import OF the IAnsdowne
document lies in the fact that II is an
open challenge to the Lloyd George
knockout" theory.