New-York tribune., 1918-12-13

lutely correct. Official circles in Lon
don remember with gratitude the trib-
ute paid to The British navy by Roose-
welt and seem entirely satisfied with
it. The British government is READY
to coincide with the United States IN
a policy of a frbe hand in naval de-
velopments and welcomes the idea
of extension of Americas sea power as
one of the best guarantees or worlo
peace.
Britain Claims Rights
"At the same time the British En-
pirc claims for Itself the fullest right
to defend its arteries of commerce ana
communications, which arc the llfe-
blood of the empire bound by ties OF
blood, but separated by the vast oceans.
ave have also our duty toward Eu-
rope, for the British Islands have four
times since 1888 freed Europe from the
threat of single despotism Each
time freedom would have persisted from
the world but for our sea power. Our
own preservation depends upon this IN
strumcnt We are unwilling to oppose
it. The British navy welcomes the m
crease of the American navy as an
additional guarantee of the peace OF
the world and the real freedom OF the
seas. Both powers could be trusted
never to abuse their strength. The idea
of a fratrlcidal conflict on the seas
between the two great portions of the
English speaking race can be dismissed
as too monstrous for consideration.
We shall never fight the States.
won't Ever Fight Us"
"Thcy won't ever fight US, but in
European waters the British Empire
will preserve its freedom of action and
will never abandon its sea routes lead
ing to its sister dominions. All we
ask for the empire is what we willingly
concede to the Republic, namely free
dom Of acton. 1t would appear that
the government is in agreement with
Congress-
If This is taken as the British govern
ment's attitude, the Paris correspondent
of "The London Times" outlines the
French governments attitude toward
Wilson'S visit generally. Every party
is interested and hoping to exploit him
for its own ends and seems anxious
to peg out its claim in advance. Those
best qualified to judge doubt whether
the President is wiling to play such
role.
His plans are not believed definitely
I fixed, but, whatever they may be, one
thing is certain: The French govern
ment holds itself bound by every con-
sideration of tact and courtesy to leave
him free to do exactly as he likes. He
will be welcomed not only by the gov
ernment as representing the French ma
tion, but also by the French people
themselves, without regard to party.
League Is Uppermost
There is a noticeable reaction against
the efforts of the Confederation Cen
erale du Travail and similar Socialist
organizations to hallmark him from the
outset as their own. Also, the denial
of his plans to visit Italy has no alb
solute, but merely relative, value.
The preliminary conversations be-
tween the President and the heads OF
Allied governments are likely to be sc
important that he may be unwilling tc
interrupt them by firing and spectacu-
lar journeys.
He is believed to be determined tc
lose no time in placing the question o1
q practical league of nations before
the Allied governments, SO that all the
special problems relating to the Alice
peace terms may be viewed in the light
of the decisions taken on this head.