The great issue had been reached with almost paralysing rapidity.
"My advice," Mr.Hannaway Wells said bluntly, "is that you, sir,"-- turning to his Chief--"refuse to discuss or consider these proposals, or to examine that document.

I submit that you are the head of His Majesty's Government, and any communication emanating from a foreign country should be addressed to you.

If you ever consider this matter and discuss it with Mr.Orden here, you associate yourself with a traitorous breach of the law." Mr.Stenson made no immediate reply.

He looked towards Julian, as though to hear what he had to say.
"Mr.Hannaway Wells's advice is, without doubt, technically correct," Julian admitted, "but the whole subject is too great, and the issues involved too awful for etiquette or even propriety to count.

It is for you, sir, to decide what is best for the country.