Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎5v] (10/348)

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allowed to cloud the atmosphere of Anglo-French relations at a time when the closest
co-operation and harmony was in the widest interests essential.
The Ambassador said, in reply, that he would like nothing better thau an
opportunity of discussing the larger question ; that, though he had spoken to me
without official inspiration, there was nothing that he would welcome more than official
authority to pursue the matter without delay ; and that, whether this were accorded to
him or not, whether the matter was to be discussed in Paris or elsewhere (and in Paris
he seemed to think that an excess of emotion was not balanced by a corresponding
excess of knowledge), he thought that nothing but good could result from an interchange
of views here.
I gathered from what he said, both on this and previous occasions, that he has in
his mind a scheme for the entire settlement of the Syrian question, and that he seeks
an opportunity of placing it before the British Government. Whether such a policy
would be that of the Quai d’Orsay in Paris or not, I have no means of knowing. But
he confessed to a grave feeling of dismay lest, in the absence of President Wilson, Mr.
Lloyd George, and Signor Orlando, and the alleged illness of Mr. Balfour, the matter
should be slurred over or forgotten in Paris, while incidents continue to occur in the
Eastern parts of the world which would make an amicable solution more and more
difficult. He declared to me his intention of informing M. Pichon of the general
character of our conversation and the advice with which he had ended it. I undertook
to write to Mr. Balfour and ascertain from him what action was being taken in Paris,
and whether any steps should be taken here.
My own position would, I feel, be rendered easier by a clear understanding on this
point, for it is more than embarrassing to listen every week to long statements of
French grievances, coupled with urgent appeals for an early consideration of the matter
in its widest aspect, and to find myself in a position where I can say so little in reply.
I am, &c.
CURZON OF KEDLESTON.