El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1918-12-12

Unity depends
OnLeagnePLan
Viscount Grey Holds Ma
tons League To Mean
Full Agreement.

Salisbury, Eng. Dec 12--Viscount
Grey. former secretary Of state for
foreign affairs, speaking here tonight.
devoted a part of his address to q
definition Of the freedom of the seas.
He spoke as follows:
This is a matter which, it is feared,
may create difficulties between presi-
dent Wilson and the British govern
meut. I think it Is a great pity that
so much has been said about the
freedom of the seas without any dell
mite conclusion.
Germans Adopt Phrase.
1T is true. there is considerable
prejudice against the phrase, largely
due to the fact that it is held to be a
German phrase. 1t is not German. but
American. It was made in the United
States and the Germans adopted and
used il for their own purpose in
sense to which we have never agreed
Hence its unpopularity- But until
president Wilson defines it and comes
to discuss it with our government.
there is no need to anticipate diff
Guilty about an agreement as TO what
il means.
Says L. s. Has COopernted.
Il cannot emphasize that too much
But since the United States entered
the war, she has not only acquiesccd,
but. / believe. most strongly cooper
ated. in carrying out the blockade OF
Germany. In the early stages Of the
war, the blockade was not nearly so
complete because the United States
raised many questions about il, but in
the later years Of the conflict. the
blockade was made complete with the
cooperation Of the United States
Without that blockade. success could
not have been won. Indeed. without
the blockade, Germany might have
won.
Pictures Same Situation.
Suppose this situation should ex
list again It is impossible TO suppose
that the United States would say that
the blockade which was so essential
for success should not be allowed.
That would stultify everything Amer
lea did in this war. 1t really would
be an insult to the United States to
suggest that she would in the future
advocate any course in a war not con-
sistent with what she did in this war.
World League Is Solution.
IF this be so, We come to this, that
probably what was in president Will
sons mind is that freedom OF the seas
should be secured to any nation OBJ
serving the covenants of a league Of
nations, and should be denied to any
nation breaking these covenants. II
that is so, then a league OF nations
is the solution to the whole question
and cannot be discussed apart from il.
"On these grounds, I believe there
may be a complete agreement be-
tween the two countries only If a
league Of nations is formed"
British Decide on Attitude.
London. Eng, Dec 1.-THE British
government has decided upon the at
titude it will adopt at the peace con-
ference regarding the freedom Of the
seas. according TO the Daily Express
today The newspaper refers to the
American naval program, as set forth
by secretary Daniels, and says:
Official circles in London are COM
pletely satisfied with this and with
the greatful tributes to the British
navy by former president Roosevelt,
admiral Sims and other Americans.
The British government is ready 10
cOncede to the United States the
freest Of all free hands in naval de-
velopment, and it welcomes the idea
Of the extension of American sea-
power as one Of the best guarantees
Of the peace Of the world and OF real
freedom of the seas.
All we ask for the empire is that
We are willing to concede-the free
dom Of action"