Evening star., 1921-04-14
HUGHES Wins WAY
IN WORLD AFFAIRS
First Triumph Is Achieved as
France AccedeS to View
point on zap.
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.

The United States is slowly winning
its way in negotiations with foreign
governments. France has acceded to
of the Island Of Yap, and there are
indications that Japan, Great Britain
and the other allies will fall into line
and agree to dispose of the contro-
versy by internationalizing the island
The significance Of what is happen
ing, however, does not lie merely in
the Yap question itself Something
pressed willingness of France to be
the close friend Of America in shaping
a new foreign policy.
Great Britain has on more than one
occasion since the war manifested a
desire to work hand in hand with
America on matters OF world politics.
and the Harding message to Congress
is known to have provoked informal
approval among the diplomats gen.
orally.
Secretary HuShes' Record.
Secretary Hughes is handling the
delicate negotiations with splendid
tact and perseverance. Although he
is not being quoted in the newspa-
perS every day, and is careful about
the comments that are authorised for,
publication, he is giving the Wash
ington correspondents rare example
of frankness in dealing with the
press.
Mr.. Hughes prefaces his remarks
usually with the injunction that he
is not to be quoted. but he discusses
questions with amazing freedom and
with clarity that leaves no room for
misunderstanding. Just the other
day. somebody asked him to COM
ment on a note that had been receiv-
ed by the United States government
The communication itself was OBJ
viously agreeable to our government,
but Mr.. Hughes pointed out that he
didn't want to start precedent OF
comment. Cases might arise. he
thought. which might not be so ia
vorable, and II he failed to comment
his silence would be regarded as sig
nificant and perhaps a meaning given
to the incident that would be un-
warranted.
BILE about press agents, publicity
and propaganda. There will be no such
trouble under Mr.. Hughes He is his own
best spokesman. He gives the slant to
the news Of the day that he feels should
be given. But his most signal service
misunderstanding. He can see in a
question asked by correspondents
further ahead sometimes than the
men themselves.
Would Avoid Personnel Fears.
A case in point was a. a.rumor that
the entire State Department was soon
to be reorganized. Mr.. Hughes ad-
mitted that such q plan was in con-
but the thought flashed
such an admission might be the basis
for speculation and disturbing stories
about personnel. He quickly ex-
planned that the supervisory personnel
was all that could be desired. that IN
Undersecretary Fletcher. Assistant
Director Carr Of the consular serv-
Ice, the department had a splendid
group of experts, but that what re-
mained to be done was co-ordinating
the work of the bureaus and tying
together certain activities that wero
related to each other but were sepa-
rated at present.
Mr.. Hughes appears to. be well sat-
isfied with the progress made in the
thus far with foreign
The Department Of
state has had a difficult job-taking
Lional situation. But President Hard
ing and Mr.. Hughes have talked over
the whole field of foreign affairs and
Mr.. Hughes knows the cardinal prin-
ciples.
With the same zeal and enthusiasm
that characterized his handling Of big |
legal problems in the past. Mr.. |
Hughes tackles each question in |
diplomacy with a rapidity and thor |
oughness that have already produced |
! favorable impression throughout |
he National Capital. It is not usual |
10 find early enthusiasms so quickly |
iustifedy - |
Adnissions by. France.
The note from France. is the first |
France admits that the |
handing out of mandates in the past |
xas rather haphazardly done. The |
French have gone further in their in |
formal oral expression than in their |
lote They have said frankly that |
hey didn't think 1t was becoming of ]
he great powers to take advantage of |
Americas absence from the confer
.nces by giving away territory without |
he express consent Of the United
states. :
There is as yet no acceptance or re-
ection of the principle stated in tho
American circular note. namely, that
he United States claims q voice in
Ill matters growing out Of the war,
whether or not the Versailles treaty
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