The inevitable effect would be to defeat the whole proceeding.

Colonel House therefore suggested that President Wilson be left to handle the matter in his own way and in his own time, and he assured the British statesman that the result would be satisfactory to both countries.

Sir Edward Grey at once saw that Colonel House's statement of the matter was simply common sense, and expressed his willingness to leave the Panama matter in the President's hands.
Thus, from July 3, 1913, there was a complete understanding between the British Government and the Washington Administration on the question of the tolls.

But neither the British nor the American public knew that President Wilson had pledged himself to a policy of repeal.

All during the summer and fall of 1913 this matter was as generally discussed in England as was Mexico.