Talk then became personal and informal.  I went over the whole subject again, telling how the Press and people of the United States were becoming critical of the British Government; that they regarded the problem as wholly American; that they resented aid to Huerta, whom they regarded as a mere tyrant; that they suspected British interests of giving financial help to Huerta; that many newspapers and persons refused to believe Carden’s denial; that the President’s policy was not academic but was the only policy that would square with American ideals and that it was unchangeable.  I cited our treatment of Cuba.  I explained again that I was talking unofficially and giving him only my own interpretation of the people’s mood.  He asked, if the British Government should withdraw the recognition of Huerta, what would happen.

“In my opinion,” I replied, “he would collapse.”

“What would happen then—­worse chaos?”

“That is impossible,” I said.  “There is no worse chaos than deputies in jail, the dictatorial doubling of the tariff, the suppression of opinion, and the practical banishment of independent men.  If Huerta should fall, there is hope that suppressed men and opinion will set up a successful government.”

“Suppose that fail,” he asked—­“what then?”

I replied that, in case of continued and utter failure, the United States might feel obliged to repeat its dealings with Cuba and that the continued excitement of opinion in the United States might precipitate this.

Grey protested that he knew nothing of what British interests had done or were doing, that he wished time to think the matter out and that he was glad to await the President’s communication.  He thanked me cordially for my frank statements and declared that he understood perfectly their personal nature.  I impressed him with the seriousness of American public opinion.

* * * * *

The last thing that the British Government desired at this time was a serious misunderstanding with the United States, on Mexico or any other matter.  Yet the Mexican situation, in early November, 1913, clearly demanded a complete cleaning up.  The occasion soon presented itself.  Sir William Tyrrell, the private secretary of Sir Edward Grey sailed, in late October, for the United States.  The purpose of his visit was not diplomatic, but Page evidently believed that his presence in the United States offered too good an opportunity to be lost.

     To Edward M. House

     Newton Hall, Newton, Cambridge.

     Sunday, October 26, 1913.

     DEAR HOUSE: