Saturday, 1st June

Long talk with Arthur Balfour. He did not tell me much that I did not know already. He seems to think that they are getting into a great mess over the Irish Home Rule Bill and it will be a long time before it will be able to be produced. It has not even yet been circulated to the Cabinet.

Had talks with various people in the morning. Nothing of any interest. Wild rumours of Cabinet changes including the substitution of Barthou for Pichon. Cannot find out if there is any truth in it and think it extremely unlikely as Barthou is a great friend of the President who of course hates Clemenceau. I feel all the more convinced if there is to be a change that either Briand will come back or else, what to my mind is even more likely, Loucheur who is I am sure playing a double game, will become a sort of figure-head Prime Minister with Briand in the Government really pulling the strings and probably Albert Thomas as well. I do not say that this would be a pacifist government but there is no doubt that they would be prepared to turn a ready ear to any offer of peace.

Went round with Arthur Balfour to see Frank Bertie who had had a good night and was rather better but the sister says there are several very disturbing complications.

After luncheon McDonough and Onslow came to see me with regard to Propaganda work. I read them my letter to Beaverbrook and I am glad to say they are entirely in accord with it. McDonough is to see Beaverbrook on his return to England and try and get his consent.

Every sort of wild rumour going about and there is no doubt Paris is for the moment very rattled but as yet no talk of the Government and Diplomatic Staffs leaving the place.

A.J.B. did not get back till late. He was I think rather dissatisfied with the way business had been arranged and said he was kept waiting the whole afternoon and his business was not even touched.