U.S. POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1920, Page 5

U.S. POLITICS.

STATE SECRETARY RESIGNS.

DISAGREES "WITH PRESIDENT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyiig'at. Received Feb. 14, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Feb. 13. Mr. Robert Lansing (Secretary for State) has resigned.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Received Feb. 15, 6.5 p.m. Washington, Feb. 13. President Wilson wrote to Mr. R. Lansing (Secretary for State) on February 7th, asking if it was true that Mr. Lansing called a Cabinet meeting during President Wilson's illness, and pointing out that no one save the President had authority to do this, j . Mr. Lansing replied: "Yes. Do you think I failed in my loyalty to you?" Mr Lansing tendered his resignation. It is further stated that correspondence between Mr. Lansing and President Wilson, that led to Mr. Lansing's resignation, has brought out the fact that there have been growing differences between the two men for some time. President Wilson staites in one letter that he felt that while he and Mr. Lansing were still in Parjs, that Mr. Lansing accepted the President's guidance and direction with increasing reluctance, and that he attempted to forestall President Wilson's judgment in many matters. Mr. Lansing, replying, stated that he long ago wished to resign, because in January, 1919, he felt that President Wilson no longer welcomed the Secretary for State's advice pertaining to negotiations in Paris, and to international affairs generally, but he withheld his fearing it would be misinterpreted abroad, and embarrass the President. Mr. Lansing concluded by pointing out that ho neither wished to belie nor to be a usurper of the President's authority by calling a Cabinet meeting.

Secretary Lane caused a sensation in the Capitol by announcing t'hat he is equally responsible with Mr. Lansing for the Cabinet, meetings Mr. Lansing called. It is believed Mr. Lane will also resign. The Press states the resignation of Mr. Fletcher, Ambassador to Mexico, is due to disgust at the President's Mexican policy, with which Mr. Lansing is also dissatisfied.

Other Press references disclose that the Wilson-Lansing disagreement began in 1917, when Mr. Lansing stated that the United States was steadily drifting towards war. There were further disagreements in Paris, when, in President Wilson's absence, Mr. Lansing tentatively agreed to abandon the League of Nations provision in order to allow speed in concluding peace. The Bullitt revelations, in \vhi(;h it was disclosed that Mr. Lansing did not approve of the League of Nations, provided a. further factor. It is alleged that at the first Cabinet meeting Mr. Lansing called, a complaint was made that none knew the President's condition, although rumours were abroad that President Wilson was non eompps mentis. Mr. Lansing had not seen President Wilson since the first day of his illness.

Other Press comment on Mr. Lansing's resignation stresses President Wilson's capacity for ignoring Cabinet officers, and his utilising Colonel House as a special Ambassador abroad, instead of Mr. Lansing.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.