The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-08-04
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Lloyd George Sees Disarma-
ment Conference as Means
to Retain Grasp on Power
in Britain.
MAY BE LEADING FIGURE
BY MARK SULLIVAN

WASHINGTON. D. c., Aug. f.
Probably a certain degree of injustice
is done to Great Britain by the puz-
Zled doubt with which America has
seen the British government suggest
ing a preliminary conference prior to
the disarmament conference and ap-
parent suggestion that Lloyd George
would like to come to America for
such preliminary conference.
These suggestions had best be read,
not as reflecting any disposition on
the part of Great Britain to anything
inconsistent with perfect candor in
the conduct of the main conference,
but rather as episodes arising out Of
British domestic politics.
AS such they are of piece with the
curious use made last week by Lloyd
George and Lord Northcliffe of Ameri-
cas- front yard as clothes line.
Would Down Lloyd George
Lord Northcliffe and his friends be-
lieve that Lloyd Georges power is
waning. They believe, indeed. that
he may lose his position as premier
almost any day. Lord Northcliffe, is
is needless to say, would be most
happy to hurry that event.
One of the best ways to accelerate
it, obviously. would be to convince the
British public that Lloyd George is
unpopular in America and would be
an unhappy choice to represent Great
Britain in conference here.
On the other hand if Lloyd George
has any fear that his power at home
is slipping, there could be no better
way of intrenching himself than by
making demonstration to the Brit
ish public that he is popular in
America and is just the man to rep
resent Great Britain at conference.
Might ProIon9 Office Tenure.
The forces opposed to Lloyd George
hope to drive him out of power before
the date of the conference, and Lord
Northcliffe is glad to help.
The other aspect of it is that, II
Lloyd George can keep his grip until
the date of the conference, if he car
| then become leading figure in the
lconference If he, can get the credit for
helping to bring about disarmament
and good understanding with Amer
! lea. and if he can also settle the Irish
question, then his position in Great
Britain will be made so strong that his
lease of power may be expected tc
continue for considerable time.
! Must Discount News.
Political news coming out of Great
Britain during the week intervening
between now and the conference haC
best be read in the light of this situa
tion in British domestic politics. 1t i:
peasing augury of the success of the
4 far xr-hi Oh, ;rr hot -
! that two factions of British polite:
should be competing for his and Amer
ica's good opinion.
| Proba bly, most Americans out o
curiosity about one of the worlds mos
striking figures, will be glad to Sc,
Lloyd George hold his power and Civ,
our people a chance to become &C
quainted with him.
Lloyd George Strong Character.
Omitting much that is said abou
him as a politician. Lloyd George is
man of very great personal force. H
is the only statesman who was promi
nent in the Paris peace conferenc
who has been able to hold on to hi
place.
Wilson, Clemenceau, and all tn
other leaders have fallen, Lloy
Georges enemies gave this circun
stance as a reason why he should nov
be displaced and should have no par
in the coming conference. They sa
that the new deal should be complete
On the other hand, the fact tha
Lloyd George alone has been able t
stay on top is proof of how powerfu
figure he is.
i Copyright 1921 by the New York
Evening Post, Inc)