It was always a pleasure, _and_ a surprise, to meet Lord Curzon socially at Lausanne; and if only his traditional respect for British prestige would have allowed him to be “himself” with Ismet Pasha and the Turkish delegates, to approach discussions with all the charm and wit that he knows so well how to exert, I am convinced that the _practical_ gain to both countries would be enormous. For though in debate his “official” manner is bound to emphasise the impression of a determined man, so clearly knowing his own mind that argument or even discussion is waste of time; I found him sincerely interested in all the personal details of my trip; and his penetrating questions were proof enough that he is quite ready to hear all sides, and really anxious to understand the country, the people, and their point of view, from anyone who knows them, irrespective of what “heresies” they may uphold. To me personally, he was not only courteous, but respectfully attentive; the only Englishman whose compliments and praise _meant_ a real gratitude, a serious acknowledgment of my fifteen years’ study and adventure, as “worthy service to my country.” Ismet Pasha asked me if I had succeeded in making Lord Curzon understand the grave importance of their movement. “I may have helped a little,” I answered, “I believe I have. But he has always understood nearly the whole truth. What I fear _you_ and your friends must find it almost impossible to understand is the “public opinion” in the West, which he cannot ignore. “Does he know how foolish it is to talk of a “home” for Armenia?” “He knows it would be as useless as to tie ‘a swarm of bees under a donkey’s nose.’ But, though—as you justly say—it is not their business, England cannot ignore America and the Powers. It would not bring you peace, or justice, to affront them. I do not wonder that you and Riza Nour grow impatient with the wasteful methods of traditional diplomacy; but that is _our_ way of democracy, to conciliate public opinion by a pose of far greater obstinacy and intolerance than we feel, or intend to act on.” * * * * * We in England, however, should realise that, however wise and sincere Lord Curzon’s own sympathy may be, the general attitude—in England and the Continent—is still based on our interpretation of the “old” Turkey. Our experts, for example, in Constantinople, still approach the Nationalists as they were accustomed to order about Abdul Hamid’s Turks. They are, naturally and inevitably, “touchy” in Angora, but we shall not help matters by any offensive allusions to the “Moslem with his tail up, no thank you!” [Illustration: LAUSANNE PALACE HOTEL. THE HOME OF TURKEY, FRANCE, AND JAPAN. p. 304 ] It would be not only wiser and fairer, but more dignified, to congratulate these people on the achievements of the Grand National Assembly, which the “Mother of Parliaments” should surely welcome with honour and respect.