We trust that the Government understand how much really depends
upon the success of the Washington Conference. It is impossible to exaggerate its importance for the future of the world. In our opinion Mr. Lloyd George, however urgent the reasons may seem to be for his staying at home, ought to make a point of going to Washington -himself. We missed an opportunity of proving that. absolute co-operation with America is our cardinal policy—as the Government themselves have admitted that it is—when 'we failed to denounce the Anglo- Japanese Treaty. But Mr. Lloyd George has another oppor- tunity of showing that his heart is in the business. He cam do this by going- to America -and thus -letting the American people know that he regards the principle at stake as far too important to be committed to the keeping of any lesser person. It would not be in the 'least necessary for Mr. Lloyd George to stay long in Washington and undertake detailed negotiations. Indeed, it would be preferable that he should not do so. What is required is that he should, by the symbolic or ceremonial act of going, associate the British Empire with the ideals of the Conference in the most striking way that is possible.
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