Evening journal., 1921-07-29

WASHINGTON. July 20 Omitted
Press) Washington today watched
the progress OF a major British po-
utical battle on its own doorstep.
Helpless to take part in the fray
officials OF this government private
ly were of the opinion that the bat
tie may mean even more to world
affairs than the contests between
President Wilson and the Senate
over the Versailles treaty.
The complete success of the COM
ing Washington disarmament con-
ference and the possible fall of a
British cabinet were bound up in
the battle, according to the view
here.
The British fight was brought here
by Lord Northcliffe English publish
er. whose papers recently were boy
cottedr by the British government
for attacking plans OF the Premier.
Lloyd George and Earl Curzon, Brit
ish foreign minister, for their an
nounced intention to come TO Wash
ington as delegates TO the disarm-
ament conference.
Soon after Northcliffe arrived here
yesterday the United Press exclusive
ly announced the ban on him had
been extended to Washington; that
q dinner for him at the embassy had
been cancelled as well as his plans
fcf sojourning there. Northcliffe
~ a statement confirmed this and
charged Curzon with responsibility.
Washington diplomatic circle e S
were frankly amazed at the bold
Northcliffe strategy in bringing his
cause to America. In London,
Lloyd George and Curzon are sur
rounded in power by the officials Of
their own government. In America
Northcliffe has chosen his own bat
teground where he knows public
sentiment is in accord with the most
liberal British opinion.
Northcliffe leaves Washington to
night to continue his world tou
that viii take him through the Brit
lsh dominions, including Canada
The dominions may have a decidin
affect on British policy in the dis
armament conference, and IL can
81 stated confidently that Northcnn
Intends to have more to say throug
the rest Of his tours
The object of Northcliffes cam
paign is TO prevent either Curzoi
or Lloyd George coming TO America
Whether or not he succeeds, thl
general opinion here was that tn,
crank charge that the British EN-
bassy has been ordered TO concel en-
g2gements with Northcliffe, will
harm curzon's effectiveness IL n
does come.
Except for IFS wholesale denial o
the Northcliffe story yesterday. tn
British embassy has remained siien
concerning the matter.
Although visibly affected by the
heat Lord Northchffe was in a
jolly mood as he chatted with tn,
United Press correspondent this
morning. Just out of a cooling tul
and talking as his valet put tn,
finishing touches 10 his attire. Lore
Northchffe laughingly talked Of tn,
events of the last "a hours.
The denial from London toda,
that the British foreign Office hai
Inspired the action by Geddes. wa
characterized an "one of these dip
lomauc denials."
Just a plain life" Northchffe said
i am sorry that my frien
Geddes has been placed in such a
Embarrassing position" Northclin
added.
Northcliffe advanced the opinio
that Lord Bryce. former British am
bassador 10 the United States. is IN
proper person to head the Brius
delegation 70 the disarmament an
tar eastern conference here.
Lord Bryce is very well liked /
his country and has the confidenc
of the American people," he sal,
Lord Bryce and a small party q
young and efficient men would max
the ideal delegation"
LONDON, July 90 Omitted Press
Sir Auckland Geddes. British an
bassador at Washington. acted q
ais own initiative in "boycotting
Lord Northcliffe as a dinner an
house guest, it was stated in ohici
circles today.
Il was stated that Geddes was COZ
ndered 10 have acted properly.
Lord Curzon. foreign ministe
who was attacked by Northcliffe