MRS. HOOVER joins me in extending deepest sympathy to you and your children in the passing of Mr. Bok.

The Nation has lost a most distinguished and useful citizen whose life must ever be an inspiration to its youth.

The conclusion reached by the Secretary of State has my approval, and I recommend that the Congress authorize an appropriation of $530 to be paid to the French Company of Marine and Commerce.

I hope that the people of our country will cooperate in the progress of the Conference by patience, encouragement, and freedom from criticism.

“The progress of peace in the world rests to a very great degree on the success of this Conference.

The American delegation, as you know, is not only a strong one, but composed of men who understand the problem.

“I do not think we need to hope for any immediate results.

To complete the Conference in 3 or 4 months would be, in itself, a great accomplishment, and we should not expect any hurried conclusions.

The importance and the gravity of the occasion have been recognized in the dispatch to London of the leading men of every country.

“I am in hopes that the people of this country will show patience and give encouragement and keep free from criticism.

There is good will toward the Conference on the part of every nation.

“There is a very great feeling of good will not only on the part of the people of the different countries but on the part of the governments themselves to the success of the Conference.

The difficulties in finding a basis are very great, but they are not insuperable.

The technology and the complexities of the problem are such that we need hope for no immediate and quick results.

“The conclusions of the Conference must be such as to give a sense of security and satisfaction to each of the nations.

The progress of peace for the world rests in a great measure upon the shoulders of the five delegations.

Permanent peace is never based on either taking advantage of or accepting a position of prejudice.

We go to London in a fine atmosphere of international good will, and it is the duty of our country to preserve that atmosphere so far as lies within our power.