The memorandum which contains this draft agreement is very considerate
towards France. It affirms that Great Britain fully recognizes France's ground for anxiety and expresso the desire to do " all in her power to allay it." It remarks that Germany would probably not have attacked in 1914 had she realized the great forces which the British Empire would throw into the War. That, of course, is perfectly true. Nevertheless, tl e Liberal Government of the day neglected to tell Germany soon enough what we should do, although it was obvious that if Germany wantonly made war we could not possibly keep out of it. The memorandum goes on to lay down certain conditions on which the promise of security is offered. The Admiralties of France and Great Britain are to confer together so as to avoid naval competition. It is also required that peace shall be restored in the Near East. Finally, it is stipulated that France shall consent to a conference of all the European nations, including Russia, for arranging a -plan of international co-operation. In fact, it is hoped that the guarantee to France may become "the basis of a wider scheme."
