SIR,—Let us grant that all Mr. N. S. Gower says
is correct—viz., that other countries (e.g., France) have had their " Black Record," but have nevertheless "got over it "; and so on. Is it not obvious, all the same, that there is only one question of any practiciil importance ; and that is: "What treatment is most likely to cause, or help, Germany to 'get over it '? "
On that point there surely cannot be any serious doubt. If Germany is totally and " permanently " disarmed (while being treated on terms of perfect " equality " in every other respect), so that she knows beyond all- question that she can never realise her evil dream of world domination, then she is most likely, in time, to give up that evil dream ; but as long as she is allowed arms that dream is likely to haunt her. A comparison may perhaps be drawn with the case of some individual who, possessing possibly many excellent qualities, is nevertheless subject, unfortunately, to fits of homicidal mania. Would anyone seriously suggest that such a one should be allowed the possession of fracarms, on the ground that if he is denied them he is not being treated with "equality "?
Would any true friend of the man desire that he should be given fire- arms? Would even the man himself, in his saner moment!, desire it?—
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