Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-11-28
SAYLLOYD GEORGE
MUST SAIL SOON
TO SAVE THE DAY
Continued From Page One)

military power, was obtaining teh Wash
ington conferences 20. K" to maints-
nance Of her supremacy.
II was as certain as the stars that Lloyd
George would not lie down under such a
challenge TO British prestige in Europe.
He sent Curzon into the breach to
fling the challenge back in Frances teeth.
Now, with the gulf between British and
French yawning as hardly ever It has
since the B0er war twenty years ago,
David OF Wales is coming to slay the
Goliath OF a possible conference crisis.
1t is his way and his opportunity.
Soothing comminques to the country, It
can be stated unequivocally, the Curzon
onslaught has deeply affrOnted the
French In Washington. Publicly both
sides exchange smiles. Privately they
are crashing their teeth. Probably the
rancOr CurzOn has injected into the sit
uatiOn will have It's first effect in con-
nection with the submarine controversy.
Behind the scenes that issue is de-
veloping into a bitter one. The British
not only find themselves combating the
American position. but CurzOn has
whetted French determination TO stick
to the position that national safety de-
mands strong submarine forces for
France. With America and France joint
~ insisting on heavy submarine quotas,
French statesmen may be relied upon not
to overlook the opportunity Of avengfng
themselves for the CUrzon episode. 1t Is
altogether q piquant state Of affairs.
"Piquant" puts It mildly. Words could
be reproduced, II they were not designed
to stir already sufficiently troubled
waters, that would reveal the British In
a fine frenzy over French submarine
"pretentons."
GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR
LLOYD GEORGE.
Now enters Upon the stage OF these
bristIing events the wizard OF compro-
mise. David Lloyd George. The knot has
been tied Britain and France are at
Ioggerheads. The moment is ideal for
his favorite brand Of statesmanship-re-
movaI of snags by a wave Of his magic
wand. Many angles of the Washington
situation AFFORD him the chance he Is
fond of taking. The deadlock over sub
marines already is at hand. Great Brit
ain has made other reservations to the
Hughes naval program apart from want
ing submarines reduced In number or
aboTfsbed altogether. The British are In
oueruIous mood about requirements OF
obsolete ships after the ten-year hoh-
dav They are anxious for more clarity
about auxiliary ships
II the United States remains infexiOle
On the Hughes program, a deadlock on
either Of the other issues IS not only con-
ceivabIe but probable. If the deadlock
proved obdurate. precisely the state OF
affairs would arise in which Lloyd
George Is skilled in pirOuetting to the
center Of the arena and, with inevitable
augmentation Of personal prestige and
power. rescuing the situation The con-
ference ii would be made to appear, was
preserved from the rocks by the adroit
and resoureeful prime minister of Brit
ain. He would use the methods that have
kept him In office. despite predicaments
that have overthrown half a dozen pre-
miers. II viii be FIVE years the second
week In December since Lloyd George
became the head OF the British govern
ment It would not be unlike him to
celebrate the anniversary in Washington
with the most dazzling Of all his feats Of
political legerdemain-
II opportunities for Sewing up" the
conference on naval affairs are numerous.
&haf cannot be said Of the chances on