On the whole, Mr. Coolidge's speech means that his Government,
who at one time were thrusting a hand out across the seas, have drawn it back. They think that the old policy of isolation was after all the safest. And this brings us back to our starting point. The motive of the believer in isolation is generally suspicion. Sus- picion exists now and must be removed. Mr. Baldwin wistfully suggested a way of removing it in the House of Commons debate on foreign policy. He pointed out how useful personal contact between high representatives of the various countries is at Geneva. With America we have no such regular personal contact. We venture to say that if Mr. Baldwin could stay in a country house for a week with Mr. Hughes, or some such broadminded, experienced and accomplished American, the difficulties would lose almost all their awkwardness and perversity. But Mr. Baldwin's suggestion' looks like an invitation to the League. And that would not be accepted.
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