21 APRIL 1917, Page 3

The truth is, of course, that Mr. Balfour has always

been a most ardent admirer of the United States. The present writer well re- members him saying in private, a quarter of a century ago, that American friendship was the most vital interest of the British Empire, to be retained and cultivated at all hazards, and Mr. Balfour has consistently maintained that attitude in his speeches and in his administration. If there are " Rooshans " and " Prooshans " among us who do not like America—and we do not know of any now —Mr. Balfour is certainly the last man who could be accused of being one of them.