New-York tribune., 1918-12-23
Brifons' Doubts
Are Dispelled by
Wilson InterUieiU
Netc York Tribune
Special Cable Service

copyright, 1918, New York Tribune lnc)
LONDON, Dec. 21.-Prcsident Will
sons interview with the correspondent
of "The London Times" was we'll re-
ceived here. The words "conciliatory"
and "open minded" are the common de-
scription of it, and it will undoubted-
ly serve as a pleasant introduction to
the Presidents stay in London.
Active preparations are going on to
give him a great military welcome,
while King George plans to give him
great state banquet at Buckingham
Palace on Friday, and the City Of
London will present him with an ad-
dress of welcome at the Guildhall on
Monday
General regret is felt that the Presi-
dents arrival will fall on "boxng
day" because it is the day Of a great
home feast here. Nevertheless, hun
dreds of thousands are likely to line
the streets to greet the President.
Pleased With Interview
Mr.. Wilson's interview with Tho
Times" has given the greatest satis-
faction to the heads of the Admins
tration here, who regard it as remov-
ing many expected difficulties along
the path of negotiation. One of the
highest officials of tho country said
to- day:
"The Presidents words on the Brit
ish naval contributions to victory and
the meaning of Great Britain's sea
power will help bring America and
Great Britain together on the funda-
mental principles Of the League Of Ma
tions. The Fresidents views are so
IL, c IL
seems cOndescension. 1t is inadvisable
further TO speculate on the concrete
application of the Presidents friendly
and cordial statement. for to risk The
slightest mislnterpretation or misun-
derstanding Of any Of the American
statcsman's words at this vital period
would be madness"
Newspapers Comment
The evening newspapers comment at
length on the Presidents interview
Here are few quotations.:
Northclifc's "Evening News'-Thc
whole Of this historic interview shows
us man that comes appropriately in
the season Of peace and good will to do
has best to secure a just and equitable
solution of frankly very difficult prob
lens. His inyincible faith is the
foundation in his trust in comradeship.
1t is there to be shared by the people
OF this country
The Evening Standard"-The inter
view conveys the impression of a man
not only highminded but practical.
modest and sensible, not seeking to
force the world into an arbitrary
moul1 but ready to consider the view
point OF others as put forward, as well
as his own"
The anti-coalition "Star"-The in
terview is full, rather, of a rarefied at
mosphere of international idealism
II there is a passage in 1t that gives
us pause, it is the indirect reference
TO the freedom of the seas and our
peculiar position as an island empire j,
We are not an island empire We are
merely an island kingdom with a far
hung empire: If by our peculiar posi-
ton Mr.. Wilson understood our M
fortunate position we think his svm-
pathy unnecessary"
President Called Discreet
"Thc Globe"-The interview ia va
markable for its omission rather
than as definite statement. The
President IS a particularly acute dinlo-
matist, possessing the invaluable gift
OF talking without saying ANYTHING.
We are glad to see he recognizes tbc
value of discretion at the present time
His views will be heard with attention
and respect when the time comes. but
that time is not just now Apart from
all newspaper comment, there is
growing feeling here that perhaps his
experiences in France have ALREADY
tended to modify somewhat MANY of
the Presidents views.