The Daily Missoulian., 1917-05-26
BRITISH MISSION VISIT
Brings UNDERSTANDING
Confidence and Sympathy
Between English Speak
ing Peoples a Result.
ARE NOW IN CANADA
United States Profits by Mar
rated Experiences of Men
Really in War.
Oy Associated Press.

(By Associated Press.
Washington, May 25.-The British
war mission. left American soil and
crossed into Canada today after six
weeks Of conferences which are. ex-
pected vitality to affect the future Of
this country, il not Of the world.
Confidence and sympathy born of
personal contact Of British and Amer
lean officials cannot be measured in
words. Uncertainty has been removed
and an efficient cooperation made
possible by an exact definition of the
resources and needs of the two ma
tions. This country knows the allies
needs in detail and the allies know
Americas resources and the degree OF
their availability. Thus 1t is possible
Tor the United States to enter into CO.
operation with the grand alliance in
tho way most calculated to bring
success.
No Binding Treaties.
There have been no formal agree
Mcnts of binding treaties. Foreign
Secretary Balfour said upon his ar
rival that the United States would
not be expected to abandon it's tradi-
tional policies even to the extent of
declaring against a separate peace.
Much that has been tentatively
agreed upon cannot finally be put into
effect until legislation has been passed
by congress. The great benefit Of the
missions visit, however. has been the
decisive advice of men, who have ac-
,n1I s,, 4
who have made desirable policies
obvious by merely relating their ex-
periences.
Great Britain and the United States
undoubtedly have been placed on a
closer basis of friendship than at any
time since the separation of century
and a quarter ago. The controversies
during two and a half years of neu-
understanding by American officials
of the difficulties Of belligerency. Mr..
Balfour has seen realized his life dream
of a closer sympathy between the two
great branches of the English speak
ing people. This was symbolized when
he stood overcome with emotion be-
fore the tomb of George Washington
with the British flag flying above it.
Avoid Spirit Of Interference.
The British showed a tact and q
consideration OF American feeling
most gratifying TO officials. They We're
scrupulous on all occasions not to ap-
pear to be interfering with American
affairs. Their constant effort was tG
describe England's experience for
whatever suggestion it might give
this country. Mr.. Balfour diffused
this spirit throughout the whole mis-
sion.
President Wilson's plan for a league
of nations has been discussed in
formally but not conclusivey. One
member of the mission said all tho
French and most of the British would
leave the trenches tomorrow if they
did not think this was the last war
Mr.. Balfour studied the proposed
world constitution and will discuss i,
with the cabinet on his return.
Reckon With German Motives.
No definite diplomatic decisions ar,
known to have been made. Germany's
plan for a great middle European en-
pire, embracing Germany, Austria
Hungary. Bulgaria. Turkey and Meso.
pOtamia in an IRON bound. militarize,
customs union has been discussed and
attention directed to the necessity fol
complete restoration of Rumania
Serbia and Montenegro as q counutel
to this move.
In this connection the new Russia.
opposition to conquest or indemnit,
Is not considered antagonistic, as al
the changes proposed are on the basi.
of nationality or the return of los
provinces. Diplomatic negotiations ar.
under way to assure the Russians tha
no scheme. of conquest is scontemplat.
cd and that all the readjustments, sucl
as a free or an independent Bohemia
the return of Rumanians Serbian
and Italians to their own flag. arr
merely in the line of permanent work
peace. - -
Have confidsnee in Russia.
The British mission expresses con
fidence that all will come out wei
with Russia and that her affinity t,
the allies. both in form of governmen,
in war aims and in opposition to tn
German system, will hold her fast L
the alliance.
The restoration of Poland. urged b.
President Wilson as one of the. term
of just peace. also has been dis
cussed. The extraordinary difficultie
OF that medley of nationalities, extend
ing as it does into Austria and Ger
many and cutting off east Prussia fror
the rest of the German empire, ha
been shown in ethnographicai map
and President Wilson has given muc
thought to the subject.
Ireland and Mexico also have bee
discussed.
The most far-reaching understand
ings arrived at have been in trad
matters. In general, the United State
will give the allies preferential treat
ment in commerce. Details. howeve
could not be agreed upon. as cor
gress has not yet passed the legislatiO
necessary to deal with embargo. traG
ing with the enemy, control of care
space and the like.
NE ALMOST FELL DOWN