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"I have been hopeful that you might find it possible to visit Washington. I should particularly welcome such a visit in the near future as the preparations for the World Economic Conference are entering a more intensive stage and because of the need for making further progress toward practical disarmament. In my judgment, the world situation calls for realistic action. ... If you can come, I trust that you will stay with us at the White House and bring with you any of your family you may desire."
Before nightfall Sir Ronald was back at the State Department with his chief's reply to the President: "I am most touched by your friendly invitation to come to Washington. ... It is with the greatest possible pleasure that I accept. I will leave England by the Berengaria on April 15, returning by the same boat. I shall be very happy indeed to stay with you at the White House."
End of June? In October 1929, Prime Minister MacDonald visited the White House, was President Hoover's guest at the Rapidan camp. Sitting on a log in the woods these two heads-of-state began the bargaining that finally resulted in the London Treaty of 1930 limiting auxiliary naval strength. But this second visit to a U. S. President would not be like the first. The economic sun then shining is now eclipsed. Then only a few cruisers and destroyers were at stake; now the trade of every ship on every sea is involved. Then military peace was sought; now an economic world war is to be ended. If during Mr. MacDonald's three days at the White House with his daughter Ishbel and his private secretary Jan Barlow, the U. S. and Britain can come to a general economic understanding, the World Conference has a better-than-even chance of success. One sure sign of such an understand ing would be the selection at the White House of a conference date. Because Japan has requested two months notice, the London meeting cannot be held earlier than the end of June.
No Broker. That President Roosevelt had no intention of using the British Prime Minister as a broker through whom to conduct negotiations with the rest of Europe became evident when Ambassador Claudel called at the White House last week to say goodbye. To him President Roosevelt suggested that France send Edouard Herriot, onetime premier, to Washington for economic discussions. M. Claudel sped to his embassy to cable this oral invitation to Paris. M. Herriot, though not a member of the Daladier Government, started for Lyons to pack his trunks. Said he: "I will do my best to serve my country."