"A BEACON LIGHT"

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 121, 18 November 1936, Page 11

"A BEACON LIGHT"

ANGLO-AMERICAN AGREE-

MENT

Mr. J. H. Thomas, former Secretary for the Dominions, made his first public appearance since his resignation from the Cabinet when he spoke at the American Club, Piccadilly, at a dinner in honour of the retiring president, Mr. Wilson Cross, says the "Daily Telegraph."

Mr. Thomas, who had travelled from Ferring-on-Sea, was accompanied by his son, Mr. Leslie Thomas. He received a warm reception when he rose to speak.

"The latest news I have," he began, "is that there is still a monument to me at Mme. Tussaud's."

He then told a story of a ninety-three-year-old negress suing for a divorce, who told the Judge that her reason for the petition was: "I have changed my taste, that is all." Mr. Thomas added: "I have lost my taste for dinners and public speaking. But tonight I have come to London to see my friends. During the last few months I have learned who are my friends and who are not.''

Mr. Thomas pleaded for closer cooperation between ;the United Slates and Great Britain. He said:

"Throughout the whole of my political life I have firmly believed, and have never been more convinced of it than now, that if in this troubled world salvation is to come, it will rest upon a closer understanding between the English-speaking peoples.

"In conception, outlook, ideals, and in everything that civilisation wants and democracy demands, there is similarity between the ideals of the United States and ourselves.

"It would be foolish to attempt to dogmatise for the future. The conceptions of life, not only of years ago, but of months ago, are being swept away by changed circumstances.

"Yet there is one thing that stands out as a beacon light for the future of the world. It is that the United States and ourselves are still standing four-square for all the things'1 that really matter in life.

"Therefore if from this country we can send to the United States men who wilj truly, dispassionately, and honestly represent all that this country stands for, and if the United States can send to us men who are the embodiment of all their true ideals, it will be to the lasting good of both countries."