Monday, Aug. 11, 1924

Resignations

Retirement is one of the chief divertisements of Ambassadors and one of the chief annoyances of Secretaries of State. Last month came the resignation of Ambassador Woods at Tokyo. Last week Ambassador Warren, at Mexico City, formally handed in his resignation, which had been anticipated for some time. He pointed out that he had accepted the post only in order to assist in carrying out the treaty, which he helped to negotiate, whereby Mexico was again accorded diplomatic recognition. He considered that the problems which had induced him to take the post were solved and felt he was at liberty to retire.

Simultaneously and unofficially it was reported that Ambassador Herrick in Paris had signified to Secretary Hughes, now abroad, that he wished to be relieved.

If this is true, it is easy enough to understand, without the usual explanation: diplomatic ill-health. Myron T. Herrick will be 70 in October and his post is a trying one. He first served as Ambassador to Paris under President Taft, was again drafted for that post by President Wilson. Since 1921, Mr. Herrick has had only one leave of absence, which came last year. He is much attached to the Paris post, but of late it has been a severe tax on his strength, with the result that he has not been well. His resignation, if the reports are correct, will not be sudden, but will read "to take effect at the convenience of the Administration."