You read your newspapers, Mr.Coulson ?" "Sure!" that gentleman answered.
"You are aware, then," Mr.Smith continued, "of the present position of your fleet.

You know how many months must pass before it can reach Eastern waters.

It is not within the traditions of this country to evade fulfillment of its obligations, however severe and unnatural they may seem, but in three months' time, Mr.Coulson, our treaty with Japan will have expired." "You are seeking to renew it!" Mr.Coulson declared quickly.
Mr.Smith raised his eyebrows.
"The renewal of that treaty," he said, "is on the knees of the gods.

One cannot tell.

I go so far only as to tell you that in three months the present treaty will have expired." Mr.Coulson rose slowly to his feet and took up his hat.
"Gentlemen both," he said, "that's what I call plain speaking.