The New York herald., 1921-01-18
WAR DEBT IS SEEN
IN GEDDES MISSION
Naval Disarmament and L. s.
Canadian Relations, Are
Also Advanced.
NO CONTROVERSY FEARED
Hope of Later Adjustment Of
Debt Heard as Exchange
Outlook Brightens.

LONDON, Jan. 17.-Government Off
cials are displaying unusual reticence
concerning both the visit home of Sir
Auckland Geddes, the British Am
bassador at Washington, and Lord
Chalmers's mission to the United
| States, which has been postponed. The
coincidence of the Ambassadors re-
turn with this postponement points to
| the likelihood that the question Of the
Anglo-American debt will be the chief
subject of his conferences with the
Government.
In connection with the visit Of the AM
bassador. which It is reported was un-
dertalten on a hasty summons from fhe
Prime Minister, there Is no question OF
possible controversy between the two
countries. This contingency was eft
unmentioned by the American corrc-
spondents of the English newspapers to
explain the visit. 1t is alleged by one
correspondent that Canada is showing
independence. claiming greater freedom
from the jurisdiction Of the Privy Coun-
Gil and a separate legation at Washing
ton.
The same correspondent reiterates
that American craftsmanship is seeking
approach to the dominions on the Pa
| cific question. In this connection it is
suggested in some quarters in London
that the Prime Minister may be anx-
| lous to consult Sir Auckland Geddes at
the moment the Colonial Office is chang
ing hands. following upon Lord Miners
resignation.
Winston Spencer Churchill, the War
Minister. It was reliably although un-
officially stated to-day. has accepted the
post of Secretary of State for the Col
onies.
What appears TO be quite certain is
that naval disarmament will be dis
cussed. There have been conflicting re-
ports in recent days, some to the effect
that the committee on imperial defence
will decide against the building of more
capital ships. others that no decision has
yet been reached. II Is generally consid-
cred that the Government Is waiting TO
consult the 5ominions at the imperial
conference in sane.
The Dailv Ne,cs, which is attributed
with pacifist leanings. says that doubt
| less uiSiArtildrutHl WIN De Oiic oA tht SiAt'A
points of discussion between Prime Min
lister Lloyd George and Ambassador
Geddes. The newspaper discerns favor
able omens concerning disarmament in
the United States and urges that no un-
reasonable suspicious Of Great Britain's
sincerity should be allowed to arise there.
II the United states wants the biggest
navy in tho world, says the Daily Mai,
| 1t Is very desirable that the Premier
should make declaration that Great
Britain will strain no nerve to rob her
of her primacy. War with America Is
not a reasonable contingency. and n
statement from the Premier to that
effect. the newspaper thinks. would do
more than anything else to clear the
atmosphere for discussion of disarm-
ament.
The postponement OF the Chalmers
mission is not altogether unwelcome.
There had been protests against any
hasty settlement of the debt question.
which were fortified by rumors reaching
London that conversion into long term
obligations was to have been on basis
Of N per cent. interest. This was a
7 great disappointment, as 1t had been
saken for granted that the interest would
not exceed per cent. The tendency of
exchange L. upward and II Is hoped that
delay may make for a settlement on
/ easier terms.