22 MARCH 1940, Page 15

I feel ashamed when they tell me these things, or

when I compare the twilight dignity of Paris with the midnight frivolity of London. I quite understand that they, in their deep seriousness, should be shocked by our conception of what constitutes " having a good time." Yet although I regard the French with affection and respect, I am not blind to the fact that, in certain areas, they are less intelligent than ourselves. They have made a mess of their censorship. We (after a week or two of muddling) have made a success of ours. As I write this article I know very well that I shall have to submit it to no censor and that it will appear as it is written. I know that, did I so desire, I could criticise the present Cabinet and that my criticism would be printed. Our censorship concentrates rightly upon the suppression of any facts which might in any way convey information to our enemies. It does not seek to suppress opinion. Yet the French censorship certainly has acted, and does still act, in favour of the existing Government, and it certainly does seek to prevent foreign opinion from knowing the true nature of the internal political situation in France.

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