"The League of Nations is essential for the future peace and safety of the world," said Hugh Walpole when asked his opinion concerning that bitterly contested undertaking. "As it now stands it has many flaws in it, I admit. But then every great experiment is never first presented in its final, polished form.

"The general opinion among Americans seems to be that the League is something permanent; something that cannot be revoked, and for that reason they shun it; they consider it something terrible. Were the League this permanent affair that seems to be generally supposed, it truly would be well to hesitate before joining it. But it isn't. I don't aspire to be a politician, but in my travels I have received some impressions that I hope are correct; and these are that this League is not an irrevocable compact, but a means of getting together, of discussing and trying to answer some of the great questions that concern the safety of the whole world. And as the League of Nations is the best solution for this, it must come.

"Perhaps my opinion of the average American's attitude on this question may be altered somewhat," said Mr. Walpole in commenting on his impressions while visiting this country. "As I have travelled through this country, the outstanding impression which I have received is the self centred attitude of the population. They are wrapped up in their local politics; they are interested almost exclusively in their local affairs and don't seem to be concerned with or even appreciate international conditions which to me appear vitally necessary.

"Take the case of Russia. People here are seldom more than remotely interested in that country. But I believe that whatever way Russia goes the future life of the world is going to be affected accordingly."