VISCOUNT GREY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12757, 29 September 1919, Page 3

VISCOUNT GREY.

ARRIVAL IN AMERICA. NEW YORK, September 27. Viscount Grey has arrived. Jn a statement he said; “ I regret tho partial failure of my sight, which makes all public work difficult- This renders it impossible for me to undertake duties as permanent Ambassador and makes my mission comparatively short. The British Empire, in common with other countries, feels that without the friendship of America international progress is impossible and international security doubtful- 1 have uot come for the purpose of advancing proposals for new treaties and alliances. Our common language tends to bring about the friendship of Britain and the United States, but some things lend to bring about misunderstandings, arising partly irom old historical memories and partly from British political problems wliich excite special interest in the United States. My hope and belief is that the time, a wise and sympathetic policy, and the fullest knowledge of the facts and the difficulties will dissolve the misunderstandings. One of th© unexampled things of the war was the spontaneous way in which the United States, moved by one ideal, went to fight abroad. It was a splendid thing to see the whole nation realise that the national interest was the common interest of humanity. It will need time, the growth of confidence, good faith and good intentions, to wipe out the bitterness and hatred of our enemies in this war. The greatest security against future wars lies in goodwill. It will be the object of my mission to promote goodwill between Hie' Americans and the hoping that this may b© one of the great elements leading to greater international goodwill on the broadest possible basis.”