The New York herald., 1921-11-16
MR.. BALFOUR'S ART :
UNDER FRENCH EYES
His Speech Called Model Of
Diplomacy in Perfect
Language.
Is NEVER MONOTONOUS
M. lie Charter Declares British
Statesman Left Impression
of Genuine Sincerity.
BY GEORGES LIE CHARTER


Correspondent of the Journal des De-
bats, Paris.
Special Despatch to THE New YoRl HERALD
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. c.. Nov. IL.
L was pralsing yesterday the ex-
treme skilfulness both in politics and
diplomacy which was shown in Mr.
Hughes's first address to the conference
Lest l use the same word / should speak
of the art" which Mr.. Balfours speech
OF to-day reveals. The least I can say
is that this message will stay as a model
OF diplomacy in a perfect language the
eloquent achievement of real states
man.
Interest was aroused in every circle
in Washington when it became known
last night that the sympathetic leader
of the British delegation was to address
the second public meeting of the con-
ference to-day. So, as soon as Mr.
Hughes. few moments after the con-
ference had been opened, announced that
Mr.. Balfour would be the first speaker
that expressive and absolute quiet
which always preccdes and foretells
great events, seemed to lay hold of the
audience. more feminine than the one
at the first meeting, which to-day, as it
did Saturday, filled to the limit of its
capacity the comparatively small Con-
tinental Hall, elegant as u club or a
drawing room.
Mr.. Balfour spoke in his usual very
simple, somewhat abandoned manner
with his musical. never monotonous-
M Inn ND
through his huge spectacles to the pub
lie in the gallery. giving to each and
all the impression of a perfect and
genuine sincerity. The first part of his
address was delicate. strong and
highly literary praise of Mr.. Vughes's
epoch making initiative, and the as
surance that England, after the extreme
surprise and shock that she, as well as
other nations, had felt at the so radical
and certainly wholly unexpected pro-
posal of Saturday. was ready TO accept
with all her heart the principle laid be-
fore her
This being said. and Mr.. Hughes and
the United States having every reason
TO feel flattered by the true and sincere
admiration which was so gently ex-
pressed, Mr. Balfour remarked that, IL
course, any programme Is subject to dis
cusslon or revision.
He pointed out that Mr. Hughes's pro-
gramme. for instance, was not quite in
agreement with the reality as to sub
marines the annual replacement of ships
and some other questions-secondary
questions. of course--which might just
as well be left to be discussed by the
experts and technicians in the coming
meetings of the various committees.
Mr.. Balfour noticed that evidently
England. as the traditional heiress Of
the sea power. has to face greater sacri-
flee than the other Powers, in fact -
tremendous sacrifice, and 1t will only be
fair to admit that she will have more
to say in the future than the other
Powers. incidentally Mr.. Balfour re-
marked that neither Italy nor France
really was concerned in the matter. but
their turn would apparently come some
time. as the question of disarmament on
land would certainly have to be dis
cussed in the committees of the confer
ence just as the naval disarmament must
be.