In a sense it is true that a perfect settlement
of such a macedoine de questions as Balkan affairs present is unattainable. But it would be impossible for on to go back at all events upon our rooted belief that just as the -war had its origin in the South Slav problem, so there will be no durable peace till that problem is fully solved. In this matter Austria must be forced to give way. Then as regards the "freedom of the seas," one interpretation of that phrase in- eludes a variety of maritime puzzles which have been born during the war, and these are naturally a suitable subject for discussion. We could not conceivably yield, however, to the German interpreta- tion of the phrase, which means that her armies should have un- restricted power by land and that the British Navy should have only very limited powers at sea. Lord Lansdowne, of course, would heartily agree with un about that ; but it is necessary even in thews few hasty reflections to utter theme warnings, as it must be expected that the vigilant supporters of what is called a " peace by negotia- tion " (alias an inconclusive settlement) will render the country the disservice of seizing upon some of Lord Lansdowne's words and reading into them their own disastrous meaning.
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