The Washington times., 1920-04-20
WILSON TO RECEIVE
BRITISH ENVOY SOON
Geddes Advocates "Hands orr
Policy in ireland in First
Statement.
CONTINUED from First Psge)

where.
We have learned that TO keep
peace for that quarter OF the human
race which owes allegiance to the
British crown imposes heavy
strain upon the material and moral
resources OF our peoples.
To avoid worse evils than those
we seek to remedy II Is often neces-
sary TO move with slowness. always
with caution; but one thing l can
say positively and without fear or
informed contradiction. the insplra-
ton OF British policy during the
period l have known II, has been.
IL possible. to bring order out OF
chaos, to extend the boundaries OF
freedom. TO improve the lot or the
oppressed, to increase the materiai
prosperity OF the world.
We are trying now as always 10
meet the legitimate aspirations OF
the dependent peoples such as those
in India and In Egypt so far as
in our Judgment is possible without
working a mischief where we seek
to do good.
Similarly in Ireland we are trying
TO provide political machinery where
by the antagonized sections or the
Irish peoples can work out their own
internal political salvation without
economic ruin to Irish interests.
II II be tyue that 1t takes two 10
make a quarrel there is in TINS gen
Grafton no quarrel between England
and Ireland, for the present genera
ton of Engllshmen has steadfastiy
refused to quarrel with Ireland
The British government after care
full study OF the Irish question IL
convinced that now the only nope Oh
ending that centuries old distemper
is to place fairly and squareiy on
the shoulders of Irishmen IN ireiaha
the constitutional responsipiiity
finding for themselves Within the
framework of the British Empire the
solution for their political oiiie'
ences. 81, n,bich
nassed it's second reading in the Bit
isb House OF Commons by a grea,
majority on March 81. is desigheo
with intention to secure that emo.
"When II becomes operative II Will
he the duty of all British subjects
who are not domiciled in ireland TO
stand aside and leave those who i've
there to solve their problem.
venture to add that 1t VIII also
be helpful II the many in all parts Oh
the world who are not BRUSH SUP
jects but are interested In ireiano'
will likewise stand aside ana ieave
the Irish in ireland to grapple with
their own political difficulties.
'It should. think. be known that
PROPOSALS for the secession of Ireland
from the British empire have been
submitted to the British cabinet, but
as announced by the prime minister
in the House of Commons, have been
rejected. A sufficient reason, though
only one OF many, is that strategtcai-
Iy the British Isles form one unit for
purposes of defense.
I have seen it stated that the Brit
ish government Is pursuing pro-
Bolshevik policy dictated by purely
selfish British ends with regard to
trade with Russia. That really is
not so.
The British government has frank
ly expressed the belief that until
Russia corbes once more into the cir
Gle of tho producing and trading ma
tions the economic conditions of the
world and the cost of living cannot
be placed upon a normal footing any
where. T.
Are Considering Russia.
am glad to be able to say that
the American and British Govern
ments have been in cordial consulta-
ton on this matter and are together
considering what steps should be
taken, or can usefully be taken, to
secure a re-opening of trade with that
great country, not in the interests of
the traders of any single nation, but
of the economic conditions of the
world.
May I in conclusion, strike a per-
sonal note? / am glad to be back in
America where 1 have in the past
found so many friends. I sincerely
admire the great qualities of the
American people. l know well of what
idealism they are capable.
am of course British. and am here
not to ask for favors, but to repre-
sent the interests of the many-na--
toned British Empire; still 1 hope
that that will not prevent the Amer
lean people regarding me, when they
know me, as a friend who, when his
duty to his own peoples is done, will
esteem it rare privilege IL he Is
able in any way whatever to serve
the interests of the great nation
among whom 1t is his lot to find for
a time, and I hope 1t may be for
home.