Sir John Simon told the House of Commons he had
spoken quite frankly to Dr. Rosenberg. So, evidently, did Lady Oxford, judging by her account in the News-Chronicle of her interview with Herr Hitler's envoy. As to the ethics of the affair I say nothing. If, as is suggested in the German Press, Dr. Rosenberg was invited to a lady's house and then without a word of warning found his conversation with her retailed in a daily paper the next morning, there might be a good deal to say. Even so it could be argued in extenuation that the interview consisted of much that Lady Oxford said to Dr. Rosenberg and very little of what Dr. Rosenberg said to Lady Oxford. And there is no law or custom to preclude any of us from publishing the impressive remarks we made ourselves in private conversation, if we can get anyone to print them—and even perhaps pay for them. And this at least may be added, that Lady Oxford said a great deal about present-day Germany that it is desirable for present-day Germany to read. It may be doubted whether Dr. Rosenberg heard any very different sentiments from any single person he talked to in London.
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