After the defeat of Napoleon, Talleyrand's skill as well as
the logic of the situation gave France an important' place in the final determination of the map of Europe. In 1919, although the Germans were not invited to a place at the peace conference, they were allowed to submit their views in writing on the terms drawn up by the Allies. It is indeed possible that, if the Germans had shown even moderate
• diplomatic skill and some sense of responsibility for what they had done, they might have exertod a much greater influence on the decisions of their conquerors. Defeated Germany is now without a government and has never had a Talleyrand. Schacht and Papen,: on an examiner's marking, would hardly be rated as " Talleyrand minus minus." In any case, they will not appear as plenipotentiaries at a conference. The lesser Powers formerly associated with Germany have no one likely to impress opinion. Thus the victors this time have it all their own way. They must also carry all the blame for • the mistakes and failures'of their settlement. Is' this fact realised? Posterity will judge Germany responsible for the war, but we and our Allies will be held wholly responsible for- the 'peace. Have we understood this responsibility, or have we spent, up to the present,
too much time in discussing grand arrangements for the future much as people might plan next year's roof garden while the ground floor of the house was on fire?
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