The intimate papers of Colonel House arranged as a narrative by Charles Seymour.

CONVERSATION WITH LLOYD GEORGE 465

Munitions in his new Whitehall quarters. There was no
furniture in the room except a table and one chair. He insisted upon my taking the chair, which I declined to do,
declaring that a seat on the table was more suitable for me
than for a Cabinet official.
'He spoke again and again of "military red-tape," which
he declared he would cut out as speedily as possible. He was
full of energy and enthusiasm, and I feel certain something
will soon happen in his department. He reminds me more of
the virile, aggressive type of American politician than any
member of the Cabinet.... He has something dynamic
within him which his colleagues have not and which is badly
needed in this great hour....
'After lunch I went to keep an appointment with the new
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Reginald McKenna.... I took
occasion to tell him that Germany had saved England from
a good raking over the coals because of her embargo policy,
which was entirely illegal and to which we submitted merely
because Germany was so prodigal in greater infractions. I
urged him to use his influence at Cabinet meetings to modify
their actions in this direction. If they did not, and we composed our differences with Germany, I assured him we would
hold his Government to a stricter accountability. It was
not a question of what the President thought of the controversy between the belligerents, but what he had to do in
justice to a large portion of the American people, who were
insisting that their rights were being infringed.
'He entirely agreed with this and hoped the differences
could be ironed out satisfactorily. It was also agreed that in
the event we came into the war on the side of the Allies, he
would communicate with me unofficially, in order that I
might help in facilitating the solution of financial questions
arising between the two Governments....
'At half-past five, I went to Lansdowne House to call on
the Marquis of Lansdowne.... I spoke strongly of his