Arizona republican., 1920-05-26
BRITAIN'S AIMS AND POLICY ARE
 TOLDBY GEDDES
Ambassador Denies World
 Oil Monopoly Sought Declares Country Seeks
 Only Betterment for World, to Restore Peace
IRepubllean A. p. Leased wIre1


 NEW YORK, May 25.- Sweeping denial that Great Britain was seeking to monopolize the worlds fuel oil sup ply was made here tonight by Sir Auckland Geddes, British ambassador, speaking at the Pilgrims dinner Statements that Great Britain had such intentions, he added, were as completely without basis in fact, as charges that Britain today was moved by militarist impulses.
 'I say without fear of informed criticism, Sir Auckland declared, that British foreign policy is directed against no man but is inspired by the desire to seek peace, to bring order out of chaos, to extend the boundaries of freedom. to improve the lot of the oppressed and to increase the material prosperity of the world. That IS our program, those are the principles by which I, as British representative in this land, am guided from day to day :"
 The ambassador touched also upon reports that the British government was trying to pool the war debts of Europe, and ito drag you (the United States) into the pool'
 Urges Increased Understanding
 You may seek far and wide for evidence on which that statement could be based" he said. You will not find it. If you look closely you will find my government trying to pour oil on the troubled waters of Europe and you will also find onlook- CTS who seize the oil as it is poured and throw it on the fires of anti British feeling here.
 ~I realize that traditional hatred and ancient grudges die hard. l think can make full allowance Tor these things. but I do plead with each and all to realize that if they have OH 10 pour they will better serve their day and generation and the cause of all humanity by selecting troubled waters to receive their libation and avoiding smouldering fires.
 In answering what he characterized as wild duck publications as to the British purposes, the ambassador dealt first with the British navy, saying that while more than thousand ships, in- cluding four battle cruisers, were un- der construction when the afmlstlce was signed. one cruiser, the Hood too far advanced to permit cancellation, was the only major ship completed
 Army and Navy Reduced
 We have not at present single capital ship building or completing and not one ship large or small has been laid down since the armistice, he said.
 The British army and air force had been seVen more drasticaliy dealt with. Sir Auckland continued ana added.
 
 pare these facts with the correspond ing action of any other nations, but I ask you who knew yourselves to be non -milftarist to contrast them with vour own national acts if you are tempted to think Eagland nilitarist. ' The ambassador after referring to reports 'in some newspaper or maga- zine. that Britain has acquired an oil monoDolv and proposes to hold the world 10 ransom said 70 per cent of the worlds oil output was from Amerl- can soil and 16 per cent from Mexico. American capital controlling three fourths of the Mexican yield. In ad- dition. he declared, Americans were seeking oil in at least 10 other coun- tries. but regardless of those opera tions he concluded, you have S2 per cent of the present world supply of oil under your control
 Toast King and President
 Toasts to President Wilson and King George were proposed by Chauncey M. Depew. president of the Pilgrims and toastmaster. after winch he made an address of welcome and read q message of greetings from Lord Desborough. chairman of the executive committee of the British Pilgrims. \ regret al not being able to be present was read from Secretary of State Colby.
 AIr. Depew said in part:
 All irritations and pin bricks will in a brief time be forgotten though others will undoubtedly come. yet they too will pass away. But when the history of this period is written it will record as among the brightest of wonderful achievements that the American and British navies worked together in ab- solute harmony that there was never always cordial friendship among the i r,aoys