For some time now the going has been rough. The crest of one crisis is hardly followed by the trough of false resolution when the next billow comes surging along to pitch us sharply once more. And in such turbulent waters it is, of course, hard for those up on the bridge to spend much time or energy giving us below reassurance about crew, compasses, routings, or destination. A nice but vague, flow of words, sounding suspiciously pre-recorded, and that is all.

But now and then one comes down from the bridge, relieved of duties up there, and from him there are impressions to be had. Such is the case with Mr. Dean Acheson, and the impressions are far from encouraging.