[35] "It is said," writes Mr. Walter Roch in _Mr. Lloyd George and the War_, "that as a result of this Conference ('the Constitutional Conference which sat in secret between the two General Elections in 1910, and tried to reach a settlement of the constitutional issue, by agreement'), in the course of which a wide range of topics must have been discussed, Mr. Lloyd George then proposed, and committed to writing, a scheme for a Coalition Government which would settle the question of the House of Lords and Home Rule, adopt some form of National Service, and finance the Navy by means of a loan. But the details of this scheme are only vaguely known and add to our confusion." I am not aware, however, that the allegation has ever been denied. [36] I have ventured to enumerate, twice within a few pages, the chief causes of despondency at the end of 1916: the same thought-wave, given off from the same psychological effervescence, convinced President Wilson and Mr. Lloyd George that the allies were beaten to their knees; the one was inspired to throw the resources of America into the struggle, the other to take personal charge of the war. [37] 1920. [38] Sir Ian Malcolm was inspired by this memorandum to write his "rhymed endeavour to convey the contents of a grave 'pronunciamento' on deportment: compiled (it is believed) by Lord Eustace Percy and issued to the Members of the Mission before landing in the New World." The poem appears among the "Mission Hymns" in _Stuff--And Nonsense_. "CIRCULAR NOTES" _To the Mission_ In your hours of ease, I beg you Missionaries, one and all, Read, mark, learn, digest and pass on This concise Encyclical. You will find its interest chaining --Sometimes even entertaining. First of all you must remember That you go to U.S.A., To a land of candid critics; So be careful what you say. I shan't mind the least if some People think you're deaf and dumb. If with questions you are pestered By the Press for news athirst, Do not risk replying till you've Wired home for instructions first. Heaven knows what might occur If you answered "on the spur." _E.G._: "Why bring re-made soldiers On your diplomatic stunt?" Should the ready lie elude you Give a non-committal grunt, Or remark with pungent wit "_Miles nascitur non fit_." (_Note: for General T. Bridges_-- Please observe a strict disguise; Don't appear in medalled khaki Or regard their martial cries. If they cap you, don't salute; If they challenge you, don't shoot.) Should they ask if England's starving, You may answer, "Look at me, Do I seem emaciated Or in need of sympathy?" If you have the indigestion, Ask for notice of the question.