Evening star., 1924-08-10
HUGHES GAINS TRIUMPH
IN WORLD DIPLOMACY
His Is Greatest Single Influence in
Bringing Success to the
London Parley.

points considered the allies last word
in compromise. Secretary Hughes did
not confer officially with these Ger.
man statesmen. He met them at a
social function. This. however, did
not preclude half hours serious
chat. Paris a few days before de-
clared that the Germans would sink
the conference barge by counter de-
mands. After Secretary Hughes
talked with Teutonic leaders, how
ever, there was a distinct change in
the German attitude and as subse-
quent days proved. the Germans ac-
cepted the allied viewpoint and prom
lsed to carry out the Dawes report
faithfully and to the letter. For the
first time since the Franco-German
war French and German premiers
met and held conference This is but
forerunner of series of construc-
tive Franco-German conferences
which eventually will settle minor
questions that may arise outside the
application of the Dawes report
AS Secretary Hughes took the ship
home from Bremen he is reported to
was occasion for smiles.
While on the high seas the radio
carried to him results of his unofficial
but nevertheless effective actions-he
had brought agreement in the London
conference where agreement was du-
bious. He had opened the gates to
new ttlements-greater understand
ings that will rebound not only to the
credit of the esteemed Secretary of
State, but America as well
Distrust Is Overcome.
One fact in Secretary Hughes ac-
tivities has been overlooked That is
the fact that he has given rebirth to-
confidence in Americas ideals-firm
belief that when trials are greatest
and human fortitude is worn to the
vanishing point, America may be
counted on to help as no other nation
on earth is able to help in the task OF
leveling those difficulties which make
the world a difficult thing to contend
with.
During the war and Immediately
after confidence in Americas determi-
nation to see justice done was at its
height. Americas disinteredness was
declared then the key to successful
solution of Europes difficulties. Ma
tions, even the allies, were at each
others throats because of peculiar
national interests handed down for
centuries, and these interests were
the borning place for hatred and an
tipathy. America could solve various
problems by virtue of the faith each
nation had in America. Then came a.
period of aloofness on the part of
America as government and Ameri--
cans as a people. The idealism cred
tied in Europe during and immediate
ly after the war was declared a hoax.
Following the general law of psy-
chology that in disappointment there
is born distrust, European nations
began to distrust America with an
ardor not exceeded by wartime en-
deavor. Everywhere the displeasure
of the people was manifest toward
Americans. Governments likewise
f1outed American sincerity when il
was expedient to do so. The sun of
America, insofar as confidence, and
European esteem were concerned
surely was fast setting and it is
known fact that this feature has
been given serious consideration by
officials of the American Government.
America Again Gives Aid.
Reactions, small in their way but
multitudinous, were as straws in the
winds indicating future troubles and
difficulties of far-reaching nature.
There was no minimizing the stiua-
tion. OF such stuff everlasting inter
national Observation-Disclosures have
arisen. But after Europe had f1oun-
dered and f1oundered and sunk deeper
into the quagmire without Americas
helpful aid, the Dawes Commission
and report came into being 1t was
hailed as way out, but obviously
in some quarters. There was needed
a steadying hand to pilot the nego-
tiations necessary to its fulfilment
over the quicksands. Americans were
designated to represent American in
terest and they accomplished their
purpose in large measure. But it
must be admitted that it was Secre-
tary Hughes influence more than
an yone other single force that has
insured success of the London con-
ference. And this very diplomatic
victory is certain to be reflected at
all times in the future. Though
Europe is to profit by settlement in
London, America will undoubtedly
profit in Europe's quickened consci-
BUSINESS that after all America is
right and will endeavor to remain
right. Requickened trust will follow.