The New York herald., 1921-07-14
Westminster Gazette Joins
London Times in Attack
ing Plan for Premier
to Attend.
SEES PATCHWORK IN 1T
Compares Excursion Simi-
lar to Wilson's at Paris
and Demands Dispas-
sionate Handling.
'MAGICIANS' ARE OPPOSED
Protest Made Against Supreme
Council Transferring Battle
ground to U. S.-'Want
Spell Broken


Special Gable to THE New YORK HERALD.
Copyright, 1891, by THE NEW YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
London, July 13.
With no clear conception of just how
the Washington conference to discuss
disarmament and the Pacific problems
will work, it already has been made
the subject of a sharp domestic po-
litical controversy here based on Pre-
mier Lloyd Georges attendance at the
conference. Meanwhile London has not
yet received official word as to whether
Japan has accepted President Har-
ding's invitation, though there Is little
doubt here that Toxic will accept. Of
ficials at the Japanese Embassy are
explaining that the reply has been
delayed by the necessary formalities
at Toxic which are involved in the
consideration of such an invitation.
While Lloyd Georges opponents Vie
with the Government and the press in
wishing for the success of the con-
ference, it is significant that the
Northcliffe and Asquithian newspapers
are those which attack the proposal
that the Prime Minister attend the
conference in person. AS a result of
the attack by the Times this morning
the Government has declared open
war on the Northcliffe newspapers. II
became known tonight that no rep.
resentative of the Northcliffe pres:
will obtain facilities for getting new:
either at the Foreign Office or in
Downing Street.
More Subdued Echo.
The Times's smashing editorial this
morning finds more subdued echo
In the Westminster Gazette this after
noon. The latter, however. confines its
objections to the questions of policy
and expediency without any bitter per-
sonal attack on Mr.. Lloyd George
such as made by the Times. which de-
clared that neither the Premier nor the
Foreign Minister 'is fitted by his po-
sition his temperament and his past
career to take a direct part in these
negotiations"
The Times stated further that the
Premier and Lord Curzon had consid-
cred taking the initiative in the matter
OF conference although 1t had long been
known that the American President had
contemplated such proposal. and added
that however courteously British initia-
tive might have been received In Wash
ington IL would have aroused the sus-
picion Of the American public that Great
Britain was seeking ends other than
those professed.
at is for the same reason OF avoiding
suspicion that the attendance of Premier
Lloyd George and Lord Curzon in Wash
ington seems particularly undesirable :
the Tt,res continued The great quail
fication needed by the representatives OF
this Empire is character for conspicuous
straightfor rdness and honor Mr.
George does not possess this character
or ALI statesmen in Europe he probably
is the most dstrusted. In America he
Is widely regarded as the man who en-
wizardry."
In referring to Lord Curzon the paper
added that his "pompous and pretentious
manner and incapacity for business does
not fit him TO discharge the responsible
duties the mission would impose"
Harding Attitude Commended.
Both the Times and the Gdsette fore
500 that the programme at Washington
will he Just as extended and just as
complicated as that which confronted the
statesmen at Versailles. Both commend
President Hardings wisdom In calling
the conference and then withdrawing
and leaving the details to Secretary o.
state Hughes. Both see the possibility
of a repetition OF those circumstance
which obtained at Paris whereby th'
heads OF states we're forced into thu
position OF deciding hurriedly many
questions with a patchwork compromis'
under the pressure OF the feeling tina
they were needed at home.
III