America's Secretary of State
The resignatibn, due to ill-health and advancing years, of the veteran statesman who has been the American Secretary of State for twelve years, is a grave loss to his Administration. Mr. Hull has been in charge of the foreign affairs of his country longer than any other conspicuous Minister of this generation in any Western country, his term of office exceeding the eleven years of Sir Edylard Grey. His steadfastness- at the helm has given continuity in a sphere which is by no means kept out of politics in the United States, and not always in this country. He has been persona grata to elements in Congress which were often enough ready to oppose the President, and he has been the instrument which has helped to smooth away many diffi- culties. He has never spared himself, and in spite of indifferent health did not hesitate to make the journey to Moscow last year. He is a man who will be hard to-replace, but the appointment of Mr. Stettinius, who has been his Under-Secretary, will inspire confi- dence both in the United States and among the Allies. He will brine with him the rare experience he has had as a captain of industry, as an administrator versed in the intricacies of Lend-Lease, and as the man who presided successfully at Dumbarton Oaks. He is a statesman of proved knowledge, vigour and zeal and what is far from immaterial, of great business capacity. Mr. Hull, it is satis- factory to note, will assume a new post of great importance as adviser on foreign affairs to the President. White House and State Department will be more closely linked than ever.
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