New-York tribune., 1920-02-02
1ntimation That England
Will Accept Lodge
Reservations Believed
to Assure Ratification
Letter Weakens
Case of Opposition
New Says 1t Should Be
Read at White House;
slow to Democrats
Nesp York Tribune
Washington Bureau

Neso York Tribune
Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, Feb. l. Early
ratification of the peace treaty with
the Lodge reservations seemed cer-
tain tonight as result of the publ
cation of the letter of Viscount Grey,
British Ambassador to the United
States, to "The London Times" in
dicating that Great Britain would
accept the pact as modified.
The frank acknowledgment of Wis.,
count Grey that the United States
Senate is justified in declining to
ratify the treaty as now written and
that the objection 10 Article X and
the section providing for voting
power in the league is we'll founded
met a gratifying response from Re-
publican Senate leaders.
There was a general feeling that
the letter Of the British diplomat
can only be interpreted to mean that
Great Britain is ready to accept the
Lodge reservations, and that the eff
feet of the communication will be
to nullify Democratic opposition to
the Republican program.
The position taken by Viscount Grey
recalls the statement reiterated by
Senator Lodge during the treaty debate
last fall At that time, the majority
leader frequently declared that the
reservations proposed would be ac-
ceptable to the British govern
ment and the French government. Mr..
Lodge is believed to have been certain
of the acquiescence Of Great Britain
and France, and his uncompromising
position against accepting the treat
as now constituted has been made
easier to maintain by the knowledge
conveyed in Lord Grey's communica
| ton.
Agrees With Republicans
The attitude of the Republican Sena-
tors against entangling alliances
should not be criticized by the British,
Lord Grey warns He agrees that it
is entirely within the range Of posi-
bility that the Senate and the EXecu-
tive of the United States may not agree
on certain subjects, and he approves
modification of the treaty pact that
will safeguard against any misunder-
standing in the future.
The other disputed point-the British
voting power-is likewise smoothed ous
by Viscount Grey. While objecting
TO the British colonies and dominions
being denied a vote in the league as
sembly, he says: I'VE have no objec-
ton in principle to increasing the
American vote" The Lodge reserva-
tion as now written, it was said, makes
its acceptance by the British even
more certain. This reservation would
deny to the British Empire its six votes
only in instances where the United
States is peculiarly interested In
case of a dispute between this govern
ment and Great Britain, or any part
of the British Empire, the votes of the
two nations would be nullifed. Lord
trouble to result from the question of
voting power, therefore, seems certain
to be fulfilled.
Weakens Democratic Stand
The Grey letter aroused the great
Lodge, the Republican leader, thourn
declining to make any comment, is
known to have found much in 1he
statement that gave him assurance
that the treaty situation would soon be
satisfactorily settled. Friends OF
Senator Lodge say he considers .he
letter an announcement by Great
Fritain that she desires The United
States in the league on terms dictated
by the American government.
The communication of the British
diplomat likewise is expected to dis
slpate much of the force of the
Presidents opposition to the Lodge
reservations. Democratic Senators who
have emphasized their objection to
the Republican program of reserva-
tions by citing the so-called objection
that Great Britain would raise can no
longer make this fight in behalf of
the treaty.
There was no great surprise at the
position taken by the British Ambassa. @
dor. 1t was understood that when
Vlscount Grey left here a month ago
and sailed for home he was to advise
his government fully on the prospect
OF ratlncatIon of the treaty 1t has
been known to some Senators that the
British statesman felt his governments
did not have serious objection to a
modification of the treaty in manner
suggested by the Republicans.
Lord Grey's public letter, cabled to
this country from The London Times. -
!
ployed to inform both the British peo-
pie and the American Senate that the
United States is justified in objectine
to the treaty in it's present form
Inc Grey letter is expected to re-
suit in definite decision by the Re-
publicans to bring the treaty to tha
door early this week and make a fight
TOR its ratification with the Lodge
reservations: Plans have been prac-
ticaily completed. it was said o-night,
to have the treaty transferred to the
iioor of the Senate this week and for
termined fight for its speedy accept
ance with notifications.
Ccmmends View to White House
Discussing Viscount Grey's letter.
Senator New, Republican, Of Indiana.
said:
Lord Grey shows the clearest
conception on the part of o foreign
government of the true position of the
United States with reference to the