Clear Understanding

J. Butler Wright, Assistant Secretary of State, immaculate in cutaway, ushered into the Blue Room at the White House, where the President, also in afternoon dress, was waiting, a gay troup. At their head was Emile Daeschner, new Ambassador from France. Behind M. Daeschner, came his staff all in uniform of the French Diplomatic service.

It is alleged that M. Daeschner bowed, pressed a packet of papers into the President's hands and burst forth into felicitous words, as follows:

"I have the honor to place in your hands the letters by which I am accredited to you in the capacity of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic. . . .

"History, which often repeats itself in the life of peoples, has demonstrated that France and America have in turn extended to each other, at critical moments in their existence, mutual and efficacious assistance, thus paying to each other their debt of gratitude just as they are firmly solicitous, whenever the case arises, of paying their material debts."

Thereupon, it is also alleged, eloquence welled up within President Coolidge and he made reply with equal facility:

"It gives me pleasure to receive your Excellency as the representative of the French Republic. . .

"The kindly support which was received in our struggle for independence developed into a permanent friendship, and it was the privilege of millions of young Americans to fight side by side with the heroic soldiers of France in defense of liberty. Thus was paid the debt of gratitude and, as you so rightly observe, both Governments should experience deep satisfaction in their solicitude that material debts shall also be discharged. Friendship based upon clear understanding must and will endure always."

The President and the Ambassador bowed, and J. Butler Wright ushered the French out, much as he had ushered them in.

Such, exactly, was the case; but one must not gain the mistaken impression that, when the President heard the Frenchman's eloquence, he was instantaneously moved to speak what was on his mind, clearly, if with eloquence. Far other was the case.

If M. Daeschner, when he was so gracefully ushered in by Mr. J. Butler Wright, had exclaimed "Pooh!" and spat upon the carpet; if the President, in rejoinder, had ejaculated, "Bah!" and blown his nose with rage, the public would have been none the wiser.

Indeed, the report of their remarks would probably have been substantially the same. For M. Daeschner had carefully penned his remarks in advance and sent them to the White House for the President's approval. Whereupon the President, with equally calculating eloquence, penned his reply and sent it to the Ambassador, so that neither of them might be taken aback by the other's expressions.

When the meeting took place, if the speeches were spoken, as presumably they were, it was merely a matter of recitation.