I am to meet you on April 19th, Suez Canal.
I don’t know Wilson’s views. These are mine:—
General principle: The Admiralty should never engage itself to lock up a single vessel even—not even a torpedo-boat, or submarine—anywhere on any consideration whatever. The whole principle of Sea fighting is to be free to go anywhere with every d—d thing the Navy possesses. The Admiralty should engage to do their best but to reserve entire freedom of action. The responsibility of the Suez Canal therefore cannot be theirs. If this clashes with your views you had better cancel me on Committee, for I’ll fight like Hell for the above vital War Principle!
* * * * *
1910.
April 25th.
I congratulate you on the latest by “Historicus”; but do you sufficiently intensify the intolerable tyranny of the permanent Tory majority in the Lords that has meant a real single chamber government for so many years? The Radicals are on the win and no one can stop it. We exaggerate the consequences. The silly thing is to have a General Election. Who gains? Everybody loses! Certainly the Tories won’t win. Tariff Reform dead. Winston’s last speeches have been very high class, especially where he shows how far greater issues are settled by the Government than anything appertaining to legislation without the House of Lords having a voice and we have always taken those risks in the past without a thought!
What is this about Kitchener hoisting out French as Inspector General? Anything to get Kitchener out of England!
[King Edward VII. died on May 6th, 1910.]
1910.
May.
(Saturday.)
What an inexpressible sorrow!. How we both know the loss! What a great National Calamity! And personally what can I say? What a splendid and steadfast friend! No use saying any more to each other—is it? I really feel heart broken!