The people and the governments of the five nations assembling at this meeting are sincerely desirous that agreement shall be brought about by which competition in construction of naval arms is brought to an end, and by which actual…

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

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

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

“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 that we have ever sent a delegation abroad that has had such a grasp on the essentials of what they are to undertake as this group of men have.

The whole occasion was merely to give them encouragement and the assurance of complete support from this side in any conclusions which they may come to.

We go to London in a fine atmosphere and with a good spirit on the work of the commission, and we must preserve it, if we can, through the period of negotiations.

“We cannot base anything in the nature of permanent peace on any feeling of insecurity or having taken advantage of or having created a situation of prejudice to any one government.

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

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