New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-26
GEORGE HAS
WORLD UNION PLAN
Continued from page 1

thing else should be, so to speak, on
the table"
"Win the discussion include such
matters as the fate Of the German colo
MES 2" was asked
"That is ono obvious question: the
Premier replied. "but there are many
questions Of equal moment All the dr.
ferent problems connected with making
pcace. as was stated IN the govern
mcnt's invitation, will be thrashed out
The war policy Of the empire VIII be
clearly defined, and OF great importance
is what ] may call the preparation Tor
peace. That will involve not only de-
Mobilization, but such after-the-war
questions AS the migration of our peo-
rlc 10 other parts Of the empire, the
settlement Of soldiers on the land, COM
mcrce and industry"
Must Disregard Precedent
"You have not hesitated to depart
from precedent
I've certainly have not, but in these
days we cannot hesitate because we are
breaking presidents. The empire mas
thrown itself heart and soul into the
war. and VIC would be failing in our
Duties if VIC did not take every possible
stem 20 sec that its leaders get to-
eether from time to time.
"You do not suppose that we think
that the overseas nations can raise and
plcce i'm the field armies containing an
enormous proportion Of their best man.
hood and not want TO have a say, and
real say. i'm determining the use to
which they arc to be put? That seems
TO us an impossible and undemocratic
proposition. That is why one Of the
first acts Of the new government was
To ask the overseas premiers 70 come
over. not TO a formal imperial confer
cnce. but to sit in the executive cabi-
net of the empire. That is why we have
arranged for a representative Of India,
which has rendered invaluable service
TO our common cause to be present
also"
"This implies" suggested the CORE
spondent, chat the conference should
meet as soon as possible"
Certainly" replied Mr. Lloyd George.
"The war is not won yet, and we want
20 concert our efforts so that we may
exert our maximum strength at the
critical moment. Further we are most
anxious that during the last and most
trying phase of the war the British
Empire may present to the world an
absolutely united front.
"Up to the present the British gov
eminent has shouldered responsibility
for the policy of the war practically
alone. II now wishes TO know that IN
its measures for prosecuting the war
to a finish and in its negotiations for
peace it will be carrying out policy
agreed upon by representatives Of the
whole empire sitting in plenary coun-
ell together"
asked.
"If you mean by that constitutional
reconstruction" replied Mr.. Lloyd
George, al can only say it is too soon
TO talk about after the war; but ! can
say this: Things can never be the same
after the war as before it. Five dem
ocracies. all parts of one empire, can
not shed their blood and treasure with
a heroism and disregard of cost which
has been beyond all praise without
leaving memories Of comradeship and
great accomplishment which will never
die.
"Of this ! am certain. The peoples
Of the empire will have found a unity
IN war such as never existed before
a unity not only in history. but Of
purpose. What practical change in
imperial organization that will mean
| do not venture to predict. That it
will involve some change is certain.
believe that all the statesmen Of the
old country and the dominions who
have spoken about it are unanimous
/ on that point
/ The forthcoming war council, how
/ ever. cannot deal with these funda-
mental postwar problems, but it may
afford some insight into the form they
may take"
"Then you arc sanguire about the
/ future of the empire ~
"If We see the war through ! GER
tainly am" the Premier answered.
"You do not suppose that the great
combination of peoples who make up
the empire can have stood steadfastly
together with their Allies in order TO
discredit and overthrow the most
brutal and inhuman machine for the
destruction of human Liberties that
the world has ever seen, and not have
discovered new ground of friend
ship"